What does the term "contextual meaning" refer to in reading comprehension?

Contextual meaning refers to understanding the meaning of a word based on its usage in a specific context. This involves looking at the surrounding words, phrases, sentences, or even the overall theme of a passage to infer what a word means within that situation. Such understanding is crucial for effective reading comprehension as words can have different meanings depending on where and how they are used. By paying attention to context, readers can derive the appropriate meaning and enhance their grasp of the text.

The other options focus on different aspects of vocabulary or comprehension but do not capture the idea of "contextual meaning" as accurately. The literal definition speaks to a dictionary meaning without consideration for usage, a synonym refers to a similar word rather than the nuanced meaning in a specific scenario, and a summary interpretation encompasses the overall message of a text, not the individual meanings of words within a specific context. Thus, understanding contextual meaning is essential for deepening comprehension and navigating the richness of language.