R2d § 202
Rules in Aid of Interpretation
(1) Words and other conduct are interpreted in the light of all the circumstances, and if the principal purpose of the parties is ascertainable it is given great weight. (2) A writing is interpreted as a whole, and all writings that are part of the same transaction are interpreted together. (3) Unless a different intention is manifested, (a) where language has a generally prevailing meaning, it is interpreted in accordance with that meaning; (b) technical terms and words of art are given their technical meaning when used in a transaction within their technical field. (4) Where an agreement involves repeated occasions for performance by either party with knowledge of the nature of the performance and opportunity for objection to it by the other, any course of performance accepted or acquiesced in without objection is given great weight in the interpretation of the agreement. (5) Wherever reasonable, the manifestations of intention of the parties to a promise or agreement are interpreted as consistent with each other and with any relevant course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of trade.
Professor's notes
Elements (interpretive aids): (1) words and conduct interpreted in light of all the circumstances; principal purpose given great weight; (2) writing interpreted as a whole; (3) language given its generally prevailing meaning; technical terms in their technical sense; (4) where an agreement involves repeated occasion for performance, the course of performance is given great weight; (5) wherever reasonable, manifestations are interpreted consistently with each other and with course of dealing, usage of trade, and course of performance.
In re Motors Liquidation operationalizes (2): reading the writing as a whole, including the misfiled termination statement context.
Common misunderstanding: students treat § 202 as a hierarchy. The factors are weighted but not strictly ranked. Course of performance (4) gets "great weight" but does not automatically beat plain text. The interpretive enterprise is holistic: pshat and drash working together: not algorithmic.
Cases that operationalize this rule
Text
R2d § 202. Rules in Aid of Interpretation.
(1) Words and other conduct are interpreted in the light of all the circumstances, and if the principal purpose of the parties is ascertainable it is given great weight.
(2) A writing is interpreted as a whole, and all writings that are part of the same transaction are interpreted together.
(3) Unless a different intention is manifested,
(a) where language has a generally prevailing meaning, it is interpreted in accordance with that meaning;
(b) technical terms and words of art are given their technical meaning when used in a transaction within their technical field.
(4) Where an agreement involves repeated occasions for performance by either party with knowledge of the nature of the performance and opportunity for objection to it by the other, any course of performance accepted or acquiesced in without objection is given great weight in the interpretation of the agreement.
(5) Wherever reasonable, the manifestations of intention of the parties to a promise or agreement are interpreted as consistent with each other and with any relevant course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of trade.