context
KON-tehkst
Context (noun) means the circumstances or background information that helps explain or clarify something. Example: “Without the context of the argument, the email makes little sense to me.”
noun
1
The circumstances or background information that helps explain or clarify something.
"Without the context of the argument, the email makes little sense to me."
"You need to understand the historical context of the speech to appreciate it."
"Taken out of context, her remark sounded much harsher than she meant."
2
The words or text surrounding a particular word or passage that help clarify its meaning.
"You can often guess a new word from its context in the sentence."
"Look at the context around this phrase before you decide what it means."
"The context makes it clear the word is being used sarcastically."
How to use context
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe surrounding information or situation that helps you understand what something really means.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
in context
out of context
historical context
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Word forms
- Plural
- contexts
- Third person singular
- contexts
- Past tense
- contexted
- Comparative
- more context
- Superlative
- most context
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Without the _____ of the argument, the email makes little sense to me.
Etymology
From Latin contextus, "a joining together, connection," related to contexere ("to weave together").
Synonyms
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background
circumstances
setting
situation
backdrop
framework
conditions
circumstance
context of use
linguistic context
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “context” mean?
The word “context” means the circumstances or background information that helps explain or clarify something. In plain terms, the surrounding information or situation that helps you understand what something really means.
How do you pronounce “context”?
“Context” is pronounced KON-tehkst (/ˈkɑn.tɛkst/ in IPA).
How do you use “context” in a sentence?
Here is “context” used in a sentence: “You need to understand the historical context of the speech to appreciate it.”
What is the opposite of “context”?
The opposite of “context” — its antonyms — is isolation.
What part of speech is “context”?
“Context” is a noun.
Where does the word “context” come from?
The word “context” comes from Latin. From Latin contextus, "a joining together, connection," related to contexere ("to weave together").
Is “context” a common word?
“Context” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “context” have?
“Context” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the circumstances or background information that helps explain or clarify something.
What is the difference between context and content?
Content is the actual material — the words, images, or facts themselves. Context is the surrounding situation that gives that content meaning: who said it, when, where, and why. The same content can mean very different things depending on its context, which is why the two are easily confused.
Why is context important?
Context shapes meaning. A word, action, or statistic can be read completely differently depending on the circumstances around it. Without context, facts are easily misunderstood or distorted — which is what happens when a quote is taken 'out of context.' It's the background that lets us interpret things accurately.
What does 'out of context' mean?
Taking something out of context means repeating a word, quote, or action without the surrounding information that gives it its true meaning. Doing so can make it seem to mean something the speaker never intended. Restoring the full context usually clears up the misunderstanding.
What are the types of context?
Common kinds include historical context (the era), cultural context (shared customs and beliefs), social context (the relationships involved), and linguistic context (the surrounding words). Situational context — the specific setting of an event — also matters. Each layer adds background that helps explain what something really means.
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Vocabulary lists that include context:
