Contextualize: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Latin 'contextus', which means 'to weave together'.
• It first appeared in English around the late 19th century, referring to the importance of surrounding information.
• Its roots imply bringing different elements together to create a clearer understanding.

Education

• In teaching, contextualizing helps students make connections between what they're learning and real-world situations.
• It encourages critical thinking by showing how knowledge applies beyond the classroom.
• Educators use contextualization to personalize learning experiences, improving student engagement.

Cultural Studies

• Contextualization is crucial in understanding how cultural practices influence societal behavior.
• It allows researchers to explore how historical events shape cultural identity.
• Interpreting art often requires understanding the cultural context in which it was created.

Psychology

• Cognitive psychologists emphasize the need to contextualize information for better memory retention.
• Understanding context is vital for emotional regulation, helping people respond appropriately to situations.
• Contextual cues can influence decision-making by shaping perceptions of risk and benefit.

Communication

• In effective communication, placing a message in context helps the audience grasp the intended meaning.
• Contextualization can reduce misunderstandings, as people relate to the surrounding information differently.
• Public speakers often contextualize their messages to ensure relevance and engagement with the audience.

This word's position of #32,039 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32036 conversationalist
• 32037 expansively
• 32038 constrictive
• 32039 contextualize
• 32040 cuboid
• 32041 pluses
• 32042 gruelling
• ...