If an “event” that happens is the tip of the iceberg,
“context” is the rest of the iceberg.
If my saying something is an event,
its context includes
my intentions,
emotions,
needs,
values,
beliefs,
history, etc.
When we hear what others say,
we often use the first context that comes to mind
to make meaning from their words.
This can lead to misunderstandings.
We only understand the words of others
when we interpret their words
in conjunction with a context sufficiently similar
to the context that gave rise to their words.
So to better understand the word of others,
we often need to momentarily let go
of the first context that comes to mind.