background Definition
- 1the part of a picture or scene that is farthest from the viewer
- 2the circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event
- 3a person's education, experience, and social circumstances
Using background: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "background" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The mountains in the background of the painting are breathtaking.
Example
The company's financial background is strong.
Example
She has a background in finance and accounting.
Example
The candidate's background check revealed a criminal record.
background Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for background
- context
- environment
- history
- heritage
- surroundings
Antonyms for background
- foreground
- center stage
Idioms Using background
not the main focus of attention; happening quietly or secretly
Example
While the children played in the foreground, the adults talked in the background.
information provided by a source that cannot be quoted directly
Example
The journalist received information on background from a government official.
music played softly in the background of a public place or event
Example
The restaurant had pleasant background music playing during dinner.
Phrases with background
unwanted sound present in an environment
Example
The background noise in the restaurant made it difficult to hear our conversation.
an investigation into a person's past employment, criminal history, and personal records
Example
The company conducted a thorough background check before hiring the new employee.
ionizing radiation that is always present in the environment
Example
Background radiation comes from natural sources such as cosmic rays and radioactive elements in the earth's crust.
Origins of background
from back + ground, meaning 'the ground in the rear of a picture'
Summary: background in Brief
The term 'background' [ˈbækɡraʊnd] refers to the part of a picture or scene that is farthest from the viewer, or the circumstances or situation underlying a particular event. It can also refer to a person's education, experience, and social circumstances. Phrases like 'background noise' and 'background check' are common, as well as idioms like 'in the background,' which means not the main focus of attention.