C1 noun Neutral

context

/ˈkɒntɛkst/

The circumstances, environment, or background that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, which allows it to be fully understood. In linguistics, it refers to the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, influencing its meaning.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I didn't mean to offend anyone; my comments were taken out of context.

I didn't intend to be rude; my words were misunderstood because the surrounding explanation was removed.

2

The historical context of the French Revolution is essential for understanding the rise of Napoleon.

The background events of the French Revolution are necessary to understand how Napoleon came to power.

3

Wait, give me some context before you show me that weird video.

Hold on, explain the situation to me before I watch that strange video.

Word Family

Noun
context
Verb
contextualize
Adverb
contextually
Adjective
contextual
Related
contextualization
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'con-' (together) and '-text' (weaving). Context is how the 'text' is woven together with its surroundings.

Quick Quiz

The politician claimed his remarks were taken out of _______ by the media to make him look bad.

Correct!

The correct answer is: context

Examples

1

I didn't mean to offend anyone; my comments were taken out of context.

everyday

I didn't intend to be rude; my words were misunderstood because the surrounding explanation was removed.

2

The historical context of the French Revolution is essential for understanding the rise of Napoleon.

formal

The background events of the French Revolution are necessary to understand how Napoleon came to power.

3

Wait, give me some context before you show me that weird video.

informal

Hold on, explain the situation to me before I watch that strange video.

4

Sociolinguists argue that language acquisition cannot be studied apart from its social context.

academic

Language experts believe learning a language must be studied alongside the social environment it happens in.

5

In the context of the current global recession, we must reconsider our expansion plans.

business

Given the current worldwide economic decline, we need to think again about our plans to grow.

Word Family

Noun
context
Verb
contextualize
Adverb
contextually
Adjective
contextual
Related
contextualization

Common Collocations

historical context the events of the past surrounding a situation
social context the societal environment of an event
taken out of context removed from its original surroundings to distort meaning
provide context to give background information
within the context of inside the framework or situation of

Common Phrases

in the context of

considering the specific circumstances of

out of context

without the surrounding words or circumstances

put into context

to explain the background to help someone understand

Often Confused With

context vs content

Content refers to the substance or what is inside, while context refers to the surroundings that give the substance meaning.

context vs contact

Contact refers to communication or physical touching, whereas context is a conceptual framework.

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Usage Notes

Context is almost always used with the preposition 'in' or 'within'. It is a vital word in academic writing for defining the boundaries of an argument.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'context' when they mean 'content'. Another mistake is omitting the definite article in the phrase 'in the context of'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'con-' (together) and '-text' (weaving). Context is how the 'text' is woven together with its surroundings.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'contextus', meaning 'a joining together', from 'com-' (together) and 'texere' (to weave).

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (usually singular) Followed by 'of' + noun phrase Often preceded by 'in the'
🌍

Cultural Context

In 'high-context' cultures (like Japan or Arab nations), communication relies heavily on implicit context, whereas 'low-context' cultures (like Germany or the US) rely on explicit words.

Quick Quiz

The politician claimed his remarks were taken out of _______ by the media to make him look bad.

Correct!

The correct answer is: context

Related Words

exarchness

C1

The state or quality of being an exarch, specifically referring to the authoritative status or regional jurisdiction of a deputy ruler or high-ranking ecclesiastical official. It describes the inherent power and dignity associated with governing a province or diocese on behalf of a higher sovereign.

perihumer

C1

A technical term referring to the anatomical region or specific tissue structures immediately surrounding the humerus bone in the upper arm. It is primarily used in orthopedic medicine and physical therapy to describe areas of concern during surgery, injury assessment, or prosthetic fitting.

microfluship

C1

A precise, automated release of a minimal amount of fluid or data used to clear a micro-system or reset high-sensitivity sensors. It is typically employed in microfluidic engineering and advanced computing to prevent sediment buildup or signal noise.

antiponness

C1

The quality or state of being opposed to or averse to hard labor, toil, or physical exertion. It describes a deep-seated resistance to performing arduous tasks, often found in philosophical or psychological discussions about the nature of work.

forenumerary

C1

Describes something that pertains to an initial or preliminary counting or listing that occurs before the main enumeration. It is typically used in administrative, historical, or technical contexts to refer to items or individuals recorded ahead of a final official tally.

detangite

C1

To separate components, strands, or ideas that have become intricately intertwined or knotted. It is most frequently used in formal or technical contexts to describe the process of unravelling a complex situation, data set, or physical structure.

unitangine

C1

Describing a process or system that operates through a single point of contact or a singular, unbranching focus. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to denote a direct and isolated interaction between two entities.

enjectment

C1

Ejectment is a legal action or remedy brought by a person who claims title to real property to recover possession of that property. It is primarily used to remove a tenant or squatter who is wrongfully occupying the land and to settle disputes regarding the rightful owner's title.

invertite

C1

Describing something that has been reversed in position, order, or nature, or turned upside down. It is a highly specialized or archaic term used primarily in technical, historical, or biological contexts to denote a state of inversion.

malteghood

C1

Describing a state marked by deep-seated communal loyalty and historical resilience. It refers to qualities or behaviors that prioritize the preservation of a group's collective identity and shared fortitude above individual interests.

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