the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed, the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning

out of context, in context, context switching

Formal and Informal Expressions of context

In different contexts, you can replace 'context' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'circumstances, environment' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'setting, background' is a commonplace synonym.

context: Explore its Definition & Usage

context Definition

1the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed
2the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning

Using context: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "context" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The context of this conversation is important to understand the meaning of their words.
Example
Without the proper context, the joke doesn't make sense.
Example
The context of the painting is the Renaissance period.

context Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for context

environment
background
situation
circumstances
conditions

Antonyms for context

text
content

Phrases with context

out of context
without the surrounding words or circumstances that give them their full meaning
Example
The quote was taken out of context and misinterpreted.
in context
considering the surrounding words or circumstances that give them their full meaning
Example
When you read the whole paragraph, the sentence makes sense in context.
context switching
the process of storing and restoring the state of a software application or process so that execution can be resumed from the same point at a later time
Example
Context switching is necessary when a computer has multiple processes running at the same time.

Origins of context

from Latin 'contextus', meaning 'a joining together'

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Summary: context in Brief

The term 'context' [ˈkɒntekst] refers to the circumstances or surroundings that provide meaning or clarity to an event, statement, or idea. It can also refer to the words or passages that surround a particular word or phrase. Examples include 'The context of this conversation is important to understand the meaning of their words,' and 'Without the proper context, the joke doesn't make sense.' The phrase 'out of context' refers to something being misunderstood due to a lack of surrounding information.