ENGLISH
REFERENCE

background

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈbækˌɡɹaʊnd// UK //bˈækɡɹaʊnd// back·ground
  1. 1 visual scenery (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the part of a picture or scene that is behind the main people or objects.

    the area of a visual field or image that serves as a setting for the primary subject.

    Example

    The mountains in the background of the photo were covered in snow.

    Example

    The artist used muted tones for the background to ensure the vibrant colors of the central figure remained the focal point.
  2. 2 personal history (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    your past experiences, education, and family history.

    the totality of a person's experience, including education, social heritage, and previous professional activity.

    Example

    The company is looking for someone with a background in sales.

    Example

    Her diverse cultural background provided her with a unique perspective that proved invaluable during the international negotiations.
Show 5 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 contextual information (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the facts or events that explain why something is happening now.

    the circumstances or events that precede a situation and help to explain it.

    Example

    Before we start the meeting, let me give you some background on the project.

    Example

    The journalist provided extensive background on the conflict to help readers understand the current political tensions.
  2. 4 computing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    tasks or images on a computer that you do not interact with directly.

    the area of a display screen behind the active windows, or processes that run without user intervention.

    Example

    I changed my desktop background to a picture of the ocean.

    Example

    Several applications were running in the background, which significantly slowed down the system's overall performance.
  3. 5 film extras (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    people who appear in a movie but do not speak or have a main role.

    performers who appear in a production in a non-speaking capacity to provide realism to a scene.

    Example

    He worked as background in a few movies before getting a real acting job.

    Example

    The production required over two hundred background actors to create the illusion of a crowded Victorian street market.
  4. 6 to make less prominent (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    to put something in a position where it is not the main focus.

    to relegate something to a less important or less conspicuous position.

    Example

    The report backgrounds the financial details to focus on the social impact.

    Example

    By backgrounding the historical data, the author successfully emphasizes the immediate psychological consequences of the event.

    Usage

    often used in contrast with 'foregrounding' an idea.
  5. 7 secondary or constant (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describing something that is always there but not the main focus.

    pertaining to sounds, light, or processes that are constant but secondary to the main activity.

    Example

    There was some background noise in the recording, but you could still hear him.

    Example

    The study found that constant background music can actually improve concentration for certain types of repetitive tasks.
Origin

From back + ground. Compare backstory.

© 2026 English Reference