What does "context" mean?

The surroundings, circumstances, environment, background or settings that determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event or other occurrence.

What is a synonym for "context"?

Common synonyms include: setting, alentours, ambiance, ambience, ambit, backdrop.

//ˈkɒn.tɛkst// adj, noun, verb

adj, noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level

Noun

1
The surroundings, circumstances, environment, background or settings that determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event or other occurrence. countable, uncountable
"—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."
2
discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation wordnet
3
The text in which a word or passage appears and which helps ascertain its meaning. countable, uncountable
"Without context, I can't tell if dish refers to a plate, or to the food served thereon."
4
the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event wordnet
5
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. countable, uncountable

Show 3 more definitions

6
The trama or flesh of a mushroom. countable, uncountable
7
For a formula: a finite set of variables, which set contains all the free variables in the given formula. countable, uncountable
8
The data (register contents, program counter value, etc.) needed to switch to another thread of execution. countable, uncountable

Verb

1
To knit or bind together; to unite closely. obsolete
"The whole worlds frame, which is contexted onely by commerce and contracts."

Adjective

1
Knit or woven together; close; firm. obsolete
"1541?, Robert Copland (translator?), Guydon's Questionary Chirurgical, translation of 1533, Guy de Chauliac, La questionaire des cirugiens at barbiers The skynne is composed & context and woven with thredes and vaynes."