Context: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”
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context

 

[ หˆkษ’ntษ›kst ]

Context #1 | Noun

in linguistic

Context refers to the circumstances or setting in which a word, phrase, or event occurs. It provides additional information that helps to clarify the meaning of the word or phrase.

Synonyms

background, environment, setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
context

Use 'context' when discussing the circumstances or situation surrounding an event, statement, or idea, providing deeper meaning or understanding.

  • To fully understand the author's message, you have to consider the context of the story.
  • The comment might seem offensive in isolation, but in context, it was actually a joke.
environment

Pick 'environment' when talking about the physical or social conditions surrounding a person or thing, especially factors influencing behavior and development.

  • A supportive work environment can increase productivity.
  • Children thrive in a loving and nurturing environment.
setting

Use 'setting' when referring specifically to the place and time in which events happen, often used in literature, theater, and personal stories.

  • The setting of the novel is a small village in the countryside.
  • The wedding's setting by the beach was picturesque.
background

Choose 'background' when referring to the history, previous experiences, or setting that affects a person or situation.

  • The background of the conflict dates back several hundred years.
  • Her cultural background influences her perspectives and decisions.

Examples of usage

  • Understanding the context in which a word is used can help to determine its intended meaning.
  • In a linguistic context, the surrounding words can provide clues to the meaning of an unfamiliar term.
Context #2 | Noun

in social

In a social context, context refers to the social environment or situation in which something happens or exists. It influences how individuals perceive and interpret the world around them.

Synonyms

ambiance, atmosphere, milieu.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
context

Use this word for the background information that helps explain an event, statement, or idea. It's often used in discussions about history, literature, or social events.

  • To understand her actions, you need to consider the historical context.
  • In the context of this novel, the character's behavior makes more sense.
milieu

Typically used in more formal or literary contexts to refer to the social or cultural environment that surrounds a person or group.

  • He grew up in an artistic milieu that greatly influenced his work.
  • The novel explores the intellectual milieu of early 20th century Paris.
atmosphere

Often used to describe the overall mood or environment surrounding a place or event. It can also refer to the feeling among people in a particular setting.

  • The tense atmosphere in the room was palpable.
  • The festival had a lively and festive atmosphere.
ambiance

Best when describing the mood or feeling of a place, often related to its decor, lighting, and atmosphere. Commonly used for restaurants, events, or interior spaces.

  • The candlelight created a romantic ambiance in the restaurant.
  • The cozy ambiance of the cafe made it a favorite spot for locals.

Examples of usage

  • The context of a conversation can greatly impact the meaning of the words spoken.
  • Understanding the social context is important for effective communication.
Context #3 | Noun

in literary

In a literary context, context refers to the background or circumstances in which a work of literature was created. It includes the historical, cultural, and social influences that shaped the writing.

Synonyms

background, framework, setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
context

Used when referring to the circumstances or conditions in which something exists or occurs, specifically in relation to an event, situation, or written/spoken content.

  • She tried to understand the context of his remarks
background

Refers to the information or circumstances that are necessary to understand a situation, story, or event. Often used to describe a personโ€™s personal history or qualifications.

  • Her background in engineering helped her solve the problem
framework

Usually used when talking about a structure of ideas, rules, or concepts that form the basis for something. Commonly used in academic, technical, or organizational scenarios.

  • The theoretical framework of this study is based on cognitive behavior theory
setting

Refers to the time and place where actions occur, particularly in literature, theater, and film. Also used for describing the environment or surroundings of an event.

  • The setting of the novel is a small village in France

Examples of usage

  • Analyzing the context of a novel can provide insights into the author's intentions.
  • The literary context of a poem can help readers understand its deeper meaning.

Translations

Translations of the word "context" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น contexto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เคฆเคฐเฅเคญ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kontext

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ konteks

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝั‚ะตะบัั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kontekst

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ–‡่„ˆ (ใถใ‚“ใฟใ‚ƒใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท contexte

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ contexto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท baฤŸlam

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งฅ๋ฝ (๋งฅ๋ฝ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูŠุงู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kontext

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kontext

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธŠไธ‹ๆ–‡ (shร ngxiร wรฉn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kontekst

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ samhengi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะฝั‚ะตะบัั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒขแƒ”แƒฅแƒกแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kontekst

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ contexto

Etymology

The word 'context' originated from the Latin word 'contextus', which means 'a joining together'. It first appeared in English in the early 15th century. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings in different fields such as linguistics, social sciences, and literature. Understanding the context of a situation has always been essential for grasping the full meaning and significance of words, events, or works of art.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,326, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.