Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

decontextualize

verb

/ˌdiːˌkɒnˈtɛkʃənəlaɪz/

Definition

To remove something from its original context, considering it without the surrounding circumstances.

Examples

In order to analyze the text, we must decontextualize it from its original cultural setting.
The experiment aimed to decontextualize the variables to observe their individual effects.
Critics argue that to decontextualize art can lead to misunderstandings of its true message.

Meaning

Decontextualize means taking an idea, situation, or piece of information and viewing it independently, without the influences or details that give it specific meaning.