Added 8 October 2026
context
/ˈkɒn.tɛkst/ noun
Latin root: context Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about context at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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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.
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The text in which a word or passage appears and which helps ascertain its meaning.
Without context, I can't tell if dish refers to a plate, or to the food served thereon.
- 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.
verb
adjective
Origin
From Latin context(us).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)