Which type of context clue gives a clear and obvious explanation near an unknown word?

The type of context clue that provides a clear and obvious explanation near an unknown word is definitions. When a word is defined within the surrounding text, it allows the reader to understand its meaning without ambiguity. Definitions often follow the unknown word directly, making it easy for readers to connect the unfamiliar term with its explanation immediately.

In contrast, synonyms imply a similar meaning but may not provide enough clarity if the words are also unfamiliar. Explanations, while close in concept, can sometimes be more complex or indirect, potentially leading to confusion rather than straightforward understanding. Antonyms are useful for implying a contrasting meaning but do not clarify the unknown word itself. Thus, definitions serve the purpose of elucidating unfamiliar vocabulary in a clear and accessible manner.