Word
foreground
Phoneticsfore·ground, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹˌɡɹaʊnd/
UK/fˈɔːɡɹaʊnd/
Definitions
01visual front
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the part of a view, photograph, or painting that is closest to the person looking at it.
n. the portion of a scene or representation that is nearest to the viewer, typically appearing at the bottom of a two-dimensional image.
“In the foreground of the photo, you can see a small wooden bench.”
“The artist painted vibrant wildflowers in the foreground to create a sense of depth against the hazy mountains in the distance.”
Antonyms
02computing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical
n. the program or window that you are currently using on a computer screen.
n. the state of an application or window that is currently receiving user input and is positioned in front of all other windows.
“The video player stayed in the foreground while I was typing my notes.”
“The operating system is designed to prioritise resources for whichever application is currently running in the foreground.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'in'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to emphasize
C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal
v. to make something the most important part of a situation or a piece of writing.
v. to bring something to the forefront of attention; to emphasize or give prominence to a specific detail or theme.
“The report foregrounds the need for better public transport in the city.”
“The director's latest film deliberately foregrounds the psychological trauma of the protagonist rather than focusing on the external action.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The result is surprising: Instead of hiding the distant star, the star in the foreground can make it appear brighter.” “Fred is positioned closer to the foreground, but he’s turned toward Marcia, his hand curled into a tight fist.” Etymology
From fore- + ground. Compare Dutch voorgrond (“foreground”), German Vordergrund (“foreground”), Danish forgrund (“foreground”), Swedish förgrund (“foreground”), Norwegian forgrunn (“foreground”), Icelandic forgrunni (“foreground”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/foreground