Final answer:
The student uses context to fully identify the 'meaning' of new words, which implies learning beyond just the dictionary definitions by understanding the use and nuances in different situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When students use context to identify the meaning of new words, they do more than just memorize a standard definition; they connect the word to its use in sentences and the broader world around them. This process enriches their vocabulary and comprehension, prompting a significant growth in their language skills. As they expand their vocabulary at a rapid pace, particularly through their early childhood years, they develop an ability to discern and understand the connotations and denotations of words in different contexts. When a person is engaged in reflection on a word, they are not only looking at the denotation, which is the literal dictionary definition, but also at the connotation, which is the set of associations that a word usually brings to mind. Contextual learning is critical because it helps the student to grasp the deeper significance and nuanced uses of a word, shaping their interpretation and use of language as they grow.