Context :  (noun)
1: discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation [syn: linguistic context, context of use]
2: the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event; "the historical context" [syn: circumstance]

alentours, ambiance, ambience, ambit, background, borderlands, circle, circuit, circumambiencies, circumjacencies, circumstances, compass, entourage, environing circumstances, environment, environs, existing conditions, frame of reference, framework, full particulars, gestalt, habitat, ins and outs, milieu, neighborhood, outposts, outskirts, perimeter, periphery, precincts, purlieus, set of conditions, setting, situation, status quo, structure, suburbs, surround, surroundings, total environment, total situation, vicinage, vicinity, whole picture,