# background

/ˈbækˌɡɹaʊnd/ (US) · /bˈækɡɹaʊnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/background
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. visual scenery

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The mountains in the background of the photo were covered in snow.
- The artist used muted tones for the background to ensure the vibrant colors of the central figure remained the focal point.

### 2. personal history

noun · CEFR A2

your past experiences, education, and family history.

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

- The company is looking for someone with a background in sales.
- Her diverse cultural background provided her with a unique perspective that proved invaluable during the international negotiations.

### 3. contextual information

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- Before we start the meeting, let me give you some background on the project.
- The journalist provided extensive background on the conflict to help readers understand the current political tensions.

### 4. computing

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- I changed my desktop background to a picture of the ocean.
- Several applications were running in the background, which significantly slowed down the system's overall performance.

### 5. film extras

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He worked as background in a few movies before getting a real acting job.
- The production required over two hundred background actors to create the illusion of a crowded Victorian street market.

### 6. to make less prominent

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

For teachers: to relegate something to a less important or less conspicuous position.

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

### 7. secondary or constant

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- There was some background noise in the recording, but you could still hear him.
- The study found that constant background music can actually improve concentration for certain types of repetitive tasks.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.