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

The documentary also contextualizes the case within a broader conversation about the influence of online health personalities, the psychological effects of fitness culture and the regulatory gaps in wellness marketing. —Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Despite their rarity, the artifacts can help historians better understand and contextualize life in the region. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025

But the data these tools constantly generate is rarely contextualized and unified into a cohesive narrative. —Bob Ackerman, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Watch the video once and, in less than two minutes, Feng’s entire SoundCloud page is completely contextualized. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Mar. 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