Context (noun)

1. The circumstances in which something occurs or develops.
2. The background or situation in which an event or statement occurs.
3. The words that come before and after a word or passage and help to explain its meaning.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from latin contextus, from contexere "to weave together", from con- "together" + texere "to weave".

Examples:

1. The statement must be understood in the context of the entire conversation.
2. The context of the novel is the Great Depression.
3. The context of the painting is the artist's life and times.
4. It is important to understand the context in which the decision was made.
5. The context of the statement is key to understanding its meaning.