What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relativize
Example
We need to relativize the importance of this issue in light of other pressing concerns. [relativize: verb]
Example
It's important to relativize our expectations and recognize that success can mean different things in different contexts. [relativize: verb]
contextualize
Example
To fully understand this historical event, we need to contextualize it within the political climate of the time. [contextualize: verb]
Example
The professor provided a lot of background information to contextualize the author's work and help us understand it better. [contextualize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contextualize is more commonly used than relativize in everyday language. Contextualize is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while relativize is less common and often used in academic or philosophical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between relativize and contextualize?
Both relativize and contextualize are formal words that are often used in academic or professional contexts. However, contextualize is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
