contextual

[ kuhn-teks-choo-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or depending on the context.

contextual

/ kənˈtɛkstjʊəl /

adjective

1. relating to, dependent on, or using context

   contextual criticism of a book

Derived Forms

• conˈtextually, adverb

Other Words From

• con·textu·al·ly adverb
• noncon·textu·al adjective
• noncon·textu·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of contextual¹

1805–15; < Latin contextu-, stem of contextus context + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The language does offer contextual distinctions from other monikers used to address a group of people.

From Slate

Daniel said when Google Maps provides users answers to their questions, the company isn’t using individualized information to provide personal results but contextual ones.

From Los Angeles Times

By applying the methods and theories of modern psychology to the contextual origins of crime and the pain of imprisonment, he hoped for “genuine and meaningful prison and criminal justice reform.”

From Los Angeles Times

Please elaborate on and contextual that title.

From Salon

While the Supreme Court will likely insist on its prerogative to apply its newly minted immunity doctrine to the evidence, some of Smith’s arguments turn on factual and contextual claims — for example, that Pence and Trump were dining as candidates rather than as officials — that the court is normally averse to reviewing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• circumstantial
• dependent