context
gb/kˈɑntɛkst/ us/kˈɑntɛkst/
A2
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
the situation around something
The situation or facts that help you understand something better.
Usage pattern:
[something] in the context of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'context' with 'content'. 'Context' is about surrounding information, while 'content' is about what is actually inside or said.
Synonyms
background (Emphasizes prior events or conditions leading up to something.)
|
circumstances (Focuses on the specific conditions or facts surrounding an event.)
Antonyms
isolation (Refers to considering something without any surrounding circumstances or influences.)
Collocations
in the context of
|broader context
|historical context
|social context
|provide context
Themes
communication
|understanding
|analysis
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You need to consider these comments in the context of the whole discussion.
- Without context, her statement sounds rude.
- The book provides historical context for the events it describes.
- In this context, 'charge' means to formally accuse someone of a crime.
Learner examples
- Please read the word in context.
- This photo makes sense in context.
- We must look at the problem in context.
- In this context, the answer is clear.
Noun
technical
A2
entity
2
surrounding text for meaning
The words before and after a word or sentence that help you understand its meaning.
Usage pattern:
[word] in context
Common mistake:
Learners might confuse 'context clues' with 'clues' in general. In reading, 'context clues' are hints from surrounding text, not from outside knowledge.
Synonyms
surrounding text (Directly describes the nearby words in a passage.)
Antonyms
out of context (Refers to removing a word or phrase from its surrounding text, often changing its meaning.)
Collocations
linguistic context
|textual context
|context clues
Themes
language
|reading
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Look at the sentence in context to understand the meaning of 'set'.
- The teacher asked us to use context clues to guess the word.
- When taken out of context, his joke seemed offensive.
Learner examples
- Read the word in context.
- Use the other words as context.
- The meaning is clear in context.
Grammar
Dictionary form
context
IPA
GB/kˈɑntɛkst/
US/kˈɑntɛkst/
Syllables & stress
con - text (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (con)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: context
- Plural: contexts
Word family
Expressions
in context
1/ˈɪn kˈɑntɛkst/
fixed phrase
within relevant circumstances or text
With the surrounding information or situation included.
Examples
- Her comment makes more sense when heard in context.
- The quote sounds harsh unless you read it in context.
out of context
1/ˈaʊt əv kˈɑntɛkst/
fixed phrase
without relevant surroundings for meaning
Without the information around it that helps explain it.
Examples
- His words were taken out of context and misunderstood.
- That sentence sounds strange out of context.