background

/bˈækɡɹa‍ʊnd/

/ˈbækˌɡɹaʊnd/

Background

the part of a photograph, etc. that is situated behind the main figures, etc.

synonyms : ground

the details about someone’s family, experience, education, etc.

information that is essential to understanding a situation or problem

extraneous signals that can be confused with the phenomenon to be observed or measured

relatively unimportant or inconspicuous accompanying situation

the state of the environment in which a situation exists

synonyms : scope

scenery hung at back of stage

synonyms : backcloth

(computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear

synonyms : desktop

to background

MAIN VERB

understate the importance or quality of

synonyms : downplay

antonyms : foreground

Examples

1. The flag of Switzerland features a white cross on a red background.

2. People from all backgrounds are welcome in our community center.

3. Car-rental companies are running background checks on drivers who rent for long periods.

4. His background in engineering helped him solve the problem.