Guessing the meaning from the context 3) a cause or effect of the word in question, for example: 3) a cause or effect of the word in question, for example: Pollution from that factory is contaminating the local farmers fields. Pollution from that factory is contaminating the local farmers fields. 4) an illustration of the word in question, for example: 4) an illustration of the word in question, for example: Jeff is so parsimonious that he won t spend a penny if he doesn t have to.