What is CONTEXT?

[stonecold]

Can someone clearly explain what context mean? For example, context of an essay, context of a sentence. I know style is the way the essay is written, but what is context?

 

[Anglika]

AskOxford: context

 

[stonecold]

AskOxford: context

Context is like a situation or the environment.

 

[pyoung]

Context is like a situation or the environment.

Dear stonecold:

Yes. For example, when you speak you consider the context. You use different sets of words when hanging out with your friends in the park than you do when you are in a job interview. You also dress differently and use different body language.
Context includes things like where something happens, when it happens, what has gone before, who the people are, how long they have known each other, whether they like and trust each other or not, why they are together, how they feel, et cetera.

I hope this is helpful,

Petra