Final answer:
The phrase 'eaten since breakfast' gives the best clue to the meaning of 'famished' because it implies a significant time has passed without food, indicating a strong level of hunger.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase in the sentence which provides the best clue to the meaning of 'famished' is 'eaten since breakfast'. This phrase indicates that a substantial amount of time has passed since the last meal, thus suggesting a state of being very hungry. The word 'famished' is used in the sentence to describe a severe level of hunger that you would feel after not eating for an extended period.
In English language, contextual clues within the sentence or paragraph often help to determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. For example, associating the word 'famished' with the action of not having eaten for hours helps to infer that it relates to hunger.
This approach to understanding vocabulary is essential for reading comprehension and developing a robust vocabulary. It is especially helpful when encountering words for the first time or when a dictionary is not available.