contextually
|con-tex-tu-al-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑn.tɛkst/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒn.tɛkst/
(contextual)
relating to context
Etymology
'contextually' ultimately derives from Latin via 'contextus' (from 'con-' + 'texere'), with the adjective 'contextual' formed by adding the suffix '-al' and the adverb formed by adding '-ly'.
'contextually' developed from the adjective 'contextual' (formed in modern English from 'context' + '-al'); 'context' itself came into English from Latin 'contextus' (a past participle of 'contexere'), which passed through Medieval Latin into Middle English as 'context'.
Initially, Latin 'contextus' meant 'a weaving together' or 'joined together'; over time the sense shifted to 'the circumstances or parts that are woven together', and in modern English 'contextually' means 'in relation to those surrounding circumstances.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the circumstances, background, or setting that help determine meaning (entry for the related noun 'context').
Without context, a phrase can be misleading; context often clarifies intent.
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Adjective 1
relating to or depending on context. (This entry describes the base form 'contextual'; 'contextually' is the adverbial form of this adjective.)
The book provides contextually relevant examples to clarify complex ideas.
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Adverb 1
in a way that relates to or depends on the surrounding circumstances or setting; with respect to context.
The statement must be interpreted contextually, considering the time and place it was made.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 12:28