French Conversation · Level 17
90 words
French word
contexte
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃tɛkst/
Meaning
- masculine nouncontext
Example
Il faut lire la phrase dans son contexte.
The sentence must be read in context.
More examples
Dans le contexte historique, la décision prend un sens différent.
In the historical context, the decision takes on a different meaning.
Core concept
The surrounding situation that frames an event or words and makes their meaning more specific.
Common phrases
dans le contexte
in the context
contexte historique
historical context
contexte politique
political context
Similar words
situation: The setting or state in which an event takes place.
circonstance: A specific condition or circumstance that affects an event.
fond: The underlying circumstances or factors behind something.
Definition in French
La situation et les éléments environnants qui donnent un sens particulier à une parole, un acte ou un texte.
Word origin
French contexte developed from Latin contextus, the past participle of contexere, meaning to weave together.
Usage tips
- Dans son contexte means that something is considered with its surrounding information, while hors contexte means that it is isolated from it.
Other meanings
- backgroundnoun
- circumstancesnoun
Related words
- contextuelcontextualadjective
- contextualisercontextualizeverb
- contextualisationcontextualizationnoun