Which term defines the way messages are understood within a social context?

The correct term that defines the way messages are understood within a social context is symbolic interaction. This concept emphasizes that communication is not just about the transfer of information but involves the creation of meaning through interactions among individuals. In a social context, messages are interpreted based on shared symbols, language, and cultural norms, which shape how people respond and understand each other.

Symbolic interaction suggests that individuals use symbols—such as words, gestures, and images—that have specific meanings assigned to them within their cultural or social environment. This perspective is crucial for understanding how individuals develop their self-concepts and relationship dynamics through their interactions.

Other options like interpersonal communication focus more on the interaction between individuals but do not specifically address the broader social context. Contextual understanding, while related, does not capture the interactive and symbolic aspects that shape communication meanings. Cultural framing pertains to the ways culture influences understanding but lacks the emphasis on interaction that is central to symbolic interaction. Thus, the richness of how meaning is derived from social interactions renders symbolic interaction the most fitting choice for this question.