What does "contextual meaning" refer to?

Contextual meaning refers to the interpretation of a word or phrase based on the situation in which it is used. This means that the meaning can change according to various factors such as the surrounding text, the intent of the speaker or writer, and the cultural or situational context. Understanding contextual meaning is crucial for accurate communication and comprehension since words can have multiple meanings depending on how they are used. For example, the word "bank" can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river; its contextual meaning would be determined by the surrounding words and the topic being discussed. This understanding emphasizes the importance of context in determining how words are perceived and understood in different scenarios.