contexto
nounCEFR B2
What does “contexto” mean in English?
context, circumstances
context, circumstances (the surrounding conditions that give meaning to an event or statement; en este contexto)
Example sentences
Para entender la reforma educativa, hay que situarla en el contexto político de las últimas dos décadas.
To understand the education reform, it must be situated in the political context of the last two decades.
Sus palabras fueron sacadas de contexto y utilizadas para atacar posiciones que nunca había defendido.
Her words were taken out of context and used to attack positions she had never held.
El mismo dato puede tener significados completamente distintos según el contexto en que se interprete.
The same piece of data can have completely different meanings depending on the context in which it is interpreted.
How to use it
El contexto means 'context' — the circumstances, background, or setting within which something must be understood. It is one of the most productive academic and analytical nouns at B2: en el contexto de, fuera de contexto, el contexto histórico/político/cultural, tener en cuenta el contexto. The phrase sacar de contexto (to take out of context) is common in media and political debate. Distinguish from marco (framework — a structured set of principles or rules) and entorno (environment/surroundings — more physical or immediate).
Common mistake
Contexto (interpretive background) vs marco (framework — a structured system: el marco regulatorio, el marco teórico) vs entorno (immediate environment: el entorno familiar, el entorno laboral). 'Out of context' = fuera de contexto (not *fuera del contexto with definite article). 'In the context of X' = en el contexto de X (with definite article). Plural: los contextos (multiple different contexts).