background
n. C / Un. the part of a picture or scene that is behind the main objects. It can also mean the things that happened in your life before now, like your education and work history.
n. the part of a visual scene or image that appears furthest from the viewer; also refers to the circumstances or events that precede and help explain a current situation.
The mountains are visible in the background of the photo.
The hiring manager asked about her professional background and her experience with international clients.
While the foreground of the painting is filled with vibrant flowers, the background features a soft, hazy landscape that suggests a distant storm.
From back + ground. Compare backstory.
Often used with the preposition 'in' when referring to physical space or 'against' when referring to contrast.