Concept · Foundations

Contextual Meaning

The meaning of a word, phrase, or passage as determined by its surrounding linguistic and situational context rather than by dictionary definition alone.

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Why it matters

Meaning is context-dependent; ignoring context is the most common source of misinterpretation.

Where this shows up

Units and lessons using this concept

Following the links will take you to the page where this term is introduced in context.

Units (1)

Hermeneutics: Arguing for an InterpretationInterpretation is not a spectator sport. When a text says something uncomfortable, people reach for the claim that it is 'just a metaphor…

Lessons (4)

Capstone: The Full Interpretive ArgumentHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation Interpretation as Argument: Why Readings Need DefenseHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation The Literal Default: Why Plain Meaning Comes FirstHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation The Metaphorical Escape: When People Dodge the Literal MeaningHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation

Other concepts in Foundations

A, E, I, O Propositions Accessibility Relation Argument Atomic Statement Authorial Intent Base Rate Bayes Factor Burden of Proof in Interpretation Calibration Cardinality Cartesian Product Categorical Proposition