noun
background
BAK-rownd
noun
1
The part of a scene or image that lies behind the main subject.
"You can see the cathedral in the background of the photo."
2
A person's history, education, or experience.
"She has a background in molecular biology."
adj
1
Less prominent or noticeable; running behind the main action.
"Soft background music played throughout the reception."
verb
1
To gather relevant background information on a person or subject.
"The reporter backgrounded the candidate before the interview."
How to Use Background
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe setting behind the main subject in a picture, or a person's history and experience.
Common pairings
professional background
background check
background noise
Word Forms
backgrounded past tense, backgrounds singular
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You can see the cathedral in the _____ of the photo.
Etymology
From back + ground.