Context
'kɒntekst
Definitions
2 meaningsThe parts of something written or spoken that precede or follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning.
'kɒntekst
The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.
You need to look at the entire context to grasp the meaning.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a story. If you don't know what happened before or after a certain part, you won't understand it fully. The 'context' is all the background information that helps you get the whole picture, like the time and place and what the characters are doing.
👶 For kids: The words around a word that help you understand what it means.
More Examples
The social context of the time heavily influenced the artwork.
Without the proper context, his statement was misleading.
How It's Used
"Understanding the historical context is crucial to interpreting the novel."
"The meaning of a word often changes based on its context within a sentence."
"The judge considered the context of the defendant's actions."
The circumstances that surround a situation and provide a framework for its interpretation.
'kɒntekst
The parts of a written or spoken statement that surround a specific word or passage and determine its meaning.
The surrounding sentences provide the context for the unusual word.
💡 Simply: Think of it like putting together a puzzle. The context is all the other pieces of the puzzle that help you understand what the single piece you are looking at means. It gives you the whole picture.
👶 For kids: The words around a word in a sentence that help you understand what it means.
More Examples
You missed the context of the joke.
Without the context, the quote is meaningless.
How It's Used
"Analyzing the literary context of a poem reveals deeper meanings."
"The speaker's tone provides context for understanding the message."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
out of context
Without the surrounding information, so that the true meaning is not clear.
"The quote was taken out of context and misrepresented his views."
in context
With the surrounding information available, allowing for full understanding.
"To understand the meaning, we need to read the sentence in context."
historical context
The circumstances surrounding an event or situation in the past.
"Understanding the historical context is crucial to interpreting the novel."
social context
The social environment that influences behaviour and meaning.
"The social context played a significant role in the revolution."
From Latin *contextus* meaning 'a joining together,' from *contexere* 'to weave together,' from *con-* 'together' + *texere* 'to weave.' The word originally referred to the interwoven parts of a text or speech.
The word 'context' was established in the 17th century to signify how surrounding text or events give meaning.
Memory tip
Think of the 'text' being 'con' (with) other surrounding information.
Word Origin
"to weave together"