context

Definition

  • noun: the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning
  • noun: the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning
  • synonyms: close, firm, close

Examples

  • To find the meaning of an unknown word you should look at the 'contextual clues' provided by the words that are around it.

  • To really know a word, you must be able to use it 'in context'. [=in a sentence with other words]

  • When taken 'out of context', his comments sound cruel, but he was really only joking.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) and I don't have to tell you, that,you know,a clean colon is just one less thing to worry about. Leonard,I'm no expert here, but I believe in the context of a luncheon invitation, you might want to skip the reference to bowel movements. Oh,you're inviting me over to eat? Uh... yes. (..)
    2007 TvShow: The Big Bang Theory Title: Pilot Season: 1 Episode 1