context 是「帮助理解某事物的周围背景或情境」——可以是语言背景(在语境中理解单词含义),可以是社会历史背景(in the context of globalisation = 在全球化背景下),也可以是事件的前后情况。核心表达:in context(在背景中,结合语境)vs out of context(断章取义)。议论文高频:in the context of(在……背景下)是开篇定位话题的标准书面短语。
释义
1
n.背景;情境;语境
You need to understand the historical context of the painting to appreciate its meaning.
你需要理解这幅画的历史背景才能欣赏其含义。
2
n.上下文;语境(语言学)
The meaning of the word changes depending on its context.
这个词的含义随其语境的不同而变化。
语感
out of context = 断章取义——是理解 context 含义的最好对照
背景情境语境上下文
两个固定对语:in context(在背景中/结合语境)vs out of context(脱离背景/断章取义)。高频书面短语:in the context of = 在……背景下(in the context of climate change = 在气候变化的背景下);put sth. in context = 将某事放到背景中来看;contextualise = 将……置于背景中分析(动词形式,较高级)。
陷阱
⚠️out of context = 断章取义(不是「超出范围」)
His words were taken out of context by the media.
✗
out of context = 超出了应有的范围
✓
out of context 特指「断章取义/脱离原有背景」,媒体截取局部引用时常用此表达
他的话被媒体断章取义了。
⚠️in the context of 是介词短语,不是从句
✗
In the context of that globalisation has expanded, trade barriers have fallen.
在全球化扩展的背景下,贸易壁垒已经降低。
in the context of 后接名词短语,不能接 that 从句;应改为名词或动名词
✓
In the context of globalisation, trade barriers have been significantly reduced.