# foreground

/ˈfɔɹˌɡɹaʊnd/ (US) · /fˈɔːɡɹaʊnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/foreground
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. visual front

noun · CEFR B2

the part of a view, photograph, or painting that is closest to the person looking at it.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. computing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the program or window that you are currently using on a computer screen.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. to emphasize

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

to make something the most important part of a situation or a piece of writing.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The flowers in the foreground are very bright.
- While the backup is running in the background, you can keep working on your document in the foreground.
- The artist used sharp lines and high contrast for the figures in the foreground to distinguish them from the soft, hazy mountains in the distance.

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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.