What term describes hints within a text that aid in understanding unfamiliar words?

The correct term that describes hints within a text that aid in understanding unfamiliar words is context clues. Context clues are words or phrases surrounding an unknown term that can provide insight into its meaning. These clues often come in the form of definitions, examples, or descriptions found within the same sentences or surrounding paragraphs. By using context clues, readers can infer the meanings of new vocabulary without needing to consult a dictionary, thus enhancing comprehension and fluency.

Transitional phrases, though useful for understanding the flow of ideas in a text, do not specifically indicate the meanings of unfamiliar words. Synonyms provide alternative words with similar meanings but do not necessarily help when trying to decipher the meaning of a specific unknown term within its context. Footnotes serve as additional information or references related to the text, but they are not inherently designed to provide hints about unfamiliar vocabulary encountered directly in the reading. Therefore, context clues are the most effective and direct aids for understanding new words in a given context.