Inklingo
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contexto

kohn-TEKS-toh

nounmB1
context?the circumstances or surrounding information
Also:background?the situation in which something happens,setting?the environment or framework

📝 In Action

Para entender la noticia, necesitas conocer el contexto.

B1

To understand the news, you need to know the context.

Esa frase fue sacada de contexto.

B1

That phrase was taken out of context.

El contexto histórico de la novela es el siglo XIX.

B2

The historical context of the novel is the 19th century.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • entorno (surroundings/environment)
  • situación (situation)
  • marco (framework)

Common Collocations

  • en este contexto – in this context
  • fuera de contexto – out of context
  • contexto social – social context

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'el' with Contexto

Since it ends in 'o,' it is almost always a masculine word. Use 'el' or 'un' before it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Contexto vs. Contesto

Mistake: "Using 'contesto' to mean background."

Correction: Use 'contexto' (with an X) for the situation. 'Contesto' (with an S) means 'I answer' from the verb contestar.

⭐ Usage Tips

How to say 'out of context'

In Spanish, we use the phrase 'sacado de contexto' just like in English to describe something that is misunderstood because the surrounding info is missing.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: contexto

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence means 'I am answering the email'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

contextualizar(to contextualize) - verb
contextual(contextual) - adjective
descontextualizar(to take out of context) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'contexto' ever a verb?

No, 'contexto' is only a noun. If you want to say 'to contextualize,' use the verb 'contextualizar.' Don't confuse it with 'contesto,' which is a form of the verb 'contestar' (to answer).

What is the plural of contexto?

The plural is 'contextos.' For example: 'Debemos comparar los contextos de ambos países' (We must compare the contexts of both countries).