Context

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈkÉ’ntÉ›kst/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈkɑːntÉ›kst/

Origin

From Latin contextus.

Full definition of context

Noun

1. The surroundings, circumstances, environment, background or settings that determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event or other occurrence.In what context did your attack on him happen? - We had a pretty tense relationship at the time, and when he insulted me I snapped.
• 2012, September 7, Phil McNulty, Moldova 0-5 England, The display and result must be placed in the context that was it was against a side that looked every bit their Fifa world ranking of 141 - but England completed the job with efficiency to record their biggest away win in 19 years.
2. (text in which a word appears) (linguistics) The text in which a word or passage appears and which helps ascertain its meaning.
3. (archaeology) The surroundings and environment in which an artifact is found and which may provide important clues about the artifact's function and/or cultural meaning.
4. (mycology) The trama or flesh of a mushroom.

Antonyms

• isolation

Derived terms

Verb

1. (obsolete) To knit or bind together; to unite closely.
• R. JuniusThe whole world's frame, which is contexted only by commerce and contracts.

Adjective

1. (obsolete) Knit or woven together; close; firm.
• DerhamThe coats, without, are context and callous.----