contextualize

verb

con·​tex·​tu·​al·​ize kən-ˈteks-chə-wə-ˌlīz 

-chə-ˌlīz,

-chü-ə-

contextualized; contextualizing

transitive verb

: to place (something, such as a word or activity) in a context

When the rebellion is historically contextualized, it becomes clear that there were many factors that contributed to it.

contextualization

kən-ˌteks-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-chü-ə-lə-

noun

Examples of contextualize in a Sentence

When the rebellion is historically contextualized, it becomes clear that there were many factors contributing to it.

Recent Examples on the Web

His droll voiceover, which warmly blankets and contextualizes his imagery, provides viewers an entrée into an worldview effortlessly engaged with culture, politics, and the smallest details of his private life. —Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025

Today Electric Chronicles is actively documenting and contextualizing a wide breadth of practices reshaping contemporary art. —Ana María Caballero, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The best researchers have the most nuanced discussions that contextualize this uncertainty. —Brendan Harley, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

The book contextualizes this expanse of violence and mystery with declassified documents, trial transcripts, police records, and hours of interviews with hundreds of figures. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

contextual + -ize

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contextualize

• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise