Background — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd/ back·ground

Meaning & Definition of Background

Background (noun)

  1. the scenery or ground behind something
  2. the part of a painting representing what lies behind objects in the foreground
  3. an image that displays on a computer screen underneath the various available icons and windows

Background (verb)

  1. to provide with background
  2. to give less attention or emphasis to (something), to place (something) in the background

Background (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the physical conditions or features that form the setting against which something is viewed

    "they got married on a mountain top with the sunset as background"

    similar: backdrop, ground
    related: mise-en-scène, scene, scenery, set, stage, entourage, environment, milieu, setting, surroundings
    near: foreground, center, focal point, focus, heart

  2. the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set

    "the background of that movie is the World War II era"

    similar: locale, scene, setting
    related: backdrop, scenery, set, mise-en-scène, tableau

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Background

The most common words with a similar meaning to Background:

backdrop, ground, locale, scene, setting

Related Words for Background

mise-en-scène, scenery, set, stage, entourage, environment, milieu, surroundings, tableau

Near Antonyms of Background

foreground, center, focal point, focus, heart

Word Forms of Background

Inflections: backgrounded, backgrounding, backgrounds

Origin & Etymology of Background

First known use: 1672

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Background

Words & Phrases Containing Background

background music, background radiation, background noise, cosmic background radiation, cosmic microwave background, on background, in the background, into the background

Frequently Asked Questions about Background

What does "Background" mean?

"Background" means the scenery or ground behind something. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the scenery or ground behind something. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Background"?

Other words for "Background" include backdrop, ground, locale, scene and setting. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Background" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Background"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Background". Common alternatives include backdrop, ground, locale, scene and setting.

How do you use "Background" in a sentence?

Examples of "Background" in a sentence: "they got married on a mountain top with the sunset as background"; "the background of that movie is the World War II era".

Is "Background" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Background" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Background" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Background" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Background"?

"Background" is pronounced /ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd/ and divided into syllables as back·ground.

What is the origin of the word "Background"?

First known use: 1672.