'context-specific' originates from modern English, specifically as a compound of 'context' and 'specific'; 'context' ultimately comes from Latin 'contextus' (from 'con-' meaning 'together' + 'texere' meaning 'to weave'), and 'specific' comes from Latin 'specificus' (from 'species' meaning 'appearance, kind').

'context' developed from Latin 'contextus' through Medieval Latin/Old French into Middle English as 'context', and 'specific' passed from Latin 'specificus' through Old French into Middle English as 'specific'; the compound adjective 'context-specific' arose in modern English (notably in technical and academic usage in the 20th century).

Initially, the roots conveyed the ideas of 'weaving together' (context) and 'a particular kind or appearance' (specific); over time the compound came to mean 'limited to or defined by a particular context' in contemporary usage.