background

//ˈbækɡraʊnd//
B1Frequency Level 6Neutral
Visual representation of background

Noun

backgroundSingular
backgroundsPlural
1

The part of a picture, scene, or view that is furthest from the viewer and behind the main objects or subjects

You can see mountains in the background of the painting.

2

The circumstances, facts, or events that surround or precede a particular situation or event and help to explain it

To understand the decision, you need to know the background of the conflict.

3

A person's education, experience, family, and social circumstances

She comes from a medical background.

4

A position or situation that is not prominent or conspicuous; a subordinate or inconspicuous position

She prefers to stay in the background and let others take credit.

5

Sound or noise that is present in an environment but not the main focus of attention

I could hear music playing in the background while we talked.

Adjective

backgroundCanonical form
1

Relating to or occurring in the background; not prominent or in the foreground

There was background music playing softly in the restaurant.

2

Running or operating without being visible or active to the user (used especially of computer processes)

The app continues to run in background mode while you use other programs.

Antonym

Verb

1

To provide background information or context for something

The report backgrounds the current situation with historical data.

background - Deep Vocabulary