Definition

To remove something from its original context or situation, making it harder to understand or interpret.

Example

The teacher asked us to decontextualize the text to analyze its meaning more clearly.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an article that tried to decontextualize historical events, and it seemed odd.

That sounds interesting! How did they do that?

They just presented facts without explaining the background or significance.

That's frustrating; it really changes how we understand the information.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decontextualize → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away from) and "contextualize" (from "con-" meaning together and "textus" meaning woven). The word means to remove something from its context or to take it away from the surrounding circumstances that give it meaning.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') the 'woven' context ('textus') that gives something its meaning.

Visually Confused Words