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

  • (..) can't see the full picture. So, let's paint it for him. What are the specific hardships and humiliations we can address within the larger context of legislation? Doc, we gotta start with banning these laws that if a Negro tries to register, I mean, actually musters up the courage (..)
    2014 Selma