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Contextualize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
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contextualize

[kษ™nหˆtekstสƒสŠษ™หŒlaษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

understand

To place (something, such as a word or activity) in a context : to understand the conditions, events, etc., that help to explain it

Synonyms

frame, place, situate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contextualize

This word is commonly used in academic, educational, and professional settings. It means to place something (like a piece of information, an event, or a word) into a broader context or to understand it within a larger framework.

  • When you read historical documents, it's important to contextualize them to understand their true meaning.
  • The professor asked us to contextualize the author's life to better understand his work.

Examples of usage

  • It is important to contextualize the historical events before analyzing their impact.
  • In order to fully comprehend the situation, we need to contextualize the data within the larger framework.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'contextualize'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'contextualize' emerged in the mid-19th century and is derived from the word 'context,' which comes from the Latin 'contextus,' meaning 'a joining or connecting together.' The concept of contextualizing information has been crucial in various fields such as linguistics, literature, and sociology, where understanding the context is essential for accurate interpretation.

See also: recontextualization.

Word Frequency Rank

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.