background
background
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "background" is /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd/.
First syllable: /bæk/
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
Second syllable: /ɡraʊnd/
/ɡ/ - voiced velar stop
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximate
/aʊ/ - diphthong (starts with an open back unrounded vowel and glides to a near-close near-back rounded vowel)
/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal
/d/ - voiced alveolar stop
Word Form Variations
The term "background" primarily functions as a noun.
Singular Noun: background
Plural Noun: backgrounds
It can also be used attributively, essentially acting as an adjective (e.g., "background noise"). While not a separate word form, its adjectival use is common. There isn't a widely recognized verb form of "background" in the sense of an action performed by the background, though "to background" someone or something can mean to put them in the background (e.g., "The director decided to background the minor characters"). However, this is less common than its noun usage.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The circumstances, events, or experiences that precede and help to explain something, especially a person's character, education, or career.
Synonyms: history, past, upbringing, origins, experience, antecedents
Antonyms: future, foreground (in a conceptual sense of what is currently prominent)
Definition 2: The part of a picture, scene, or photograph that is behind the main figures or objects.
Synonyms: setting, backdrop, environment, rear, distance
Antonyms: foreground, front, close-up
Definition 3: The less prominent or noticeable part of an audible or visual phenomenon, often serving as a context for more important elements.
Synonyms: ambiance, atmosphere, context, secondary elements
Antonyms: foreground, focus, main subject
Definition 4: Information or knowledge that is considered less essential or detailed, often provided to give context to a primary subject or issue.
Synonyms: preliminary information, context, basis, foundation
Antonyms: details, specifics, main points, particulars
Verb
Definition 1: (Transitive, less common) To place or treat something as secondary or less important, often literally by putting it in the rear of a composition or figuratively by reducing its prominence.
Synonyms: deemphasize, sideline, obscure, minimize
Antonyms: foreground, emphasize, highlight, feature
Examples of Use
Books:
"Her intricate background in astrophysics proved invaluable when tackling the complex equations." (from Cosmic Revelations by Dr. Aris Thorne, published May 2023)
"The author expertly wove in historical background about the Victorian era, enriching the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations." (from Literary Reviews Monthly, September 2024)
Newspapers:
"The new policy aims to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds access higher education." ( The Daily Chronicle)
"Against the background of rising inflation, the central bank announced new fiscal measures." ( Financial Times)
Online Publications:
"Many users prefer a dark mode background for their screens to reduce eye strain during late-night Browse." ( TechGlimpse.com)
"The investigative report provided crucial background information on the company's financial dealings." ( Investigative Journalism Hub)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film/TV: In a documentary about wildlife, the narrator might say, "The majestic elephant stood out against the lush green background of the savanna." (from Planet Earth IV, BBC, November 2024)
Music: A song might feature "ambient background music" to create a specific mood. (e.g., Lofi Beats to Study To, YouTube, ongoing)
Video Games: A character's dialogue might refer to their "mysterious background" to hint at future plot developments. (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red, December 2020)
Podcasts: "In today's episode, we'll provide some background on the historical context of the Cold War." (from History Unplugged Podcast, February 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to do some background research before I start writing my essay."
"Can you please dim the background lighting? It's a bit too bright."
"He comes from a very artistic background, so it's no surprise he's such a talented painter."
"There was a lot of background noise during the phone call, making it hard to hear."
"Let's get the background out of the way first, then we can discuss the main proposal."
10 Quotes Using Background
"The discipline of desire is the background of character." (John Locke)
"We are a country where people of all backgrounds, all nations of origin, all languages, all religions, all races, can make a home." (Hillary Clinton)
"The American landscape has no foreground and the American mind no background." (Edith Wharton)
"Bias has to be taught. If you hear your parents downgrading women or people of different backgrounds, why, you are going to do that." (Barbara Bush)
"When you see how fragile and delicate life can be, all else fades into the background." (Jenna Morasca)
"It doesn't matter where you're from... No matter your background, you can win." (Lil B)
"I'm very proud to be black, but black is not all I am. That's my cultural historical background, my genetic makeup, but it's not all of who I am." (Denzel Washington)
"I tell students that the opportunities I had were a result of having a good educational background." (Ellen Ochoa)
"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnic background, is that we all believe we are above-average drivers." (Dave Barry)
"If religion were true, its followers would not try to bludgeon their young into an artificial conformity; but would merely insist on their unbending quest for truth, irrespective of artificial backgrounds or practical consequences." (H. P. Lovecraft)
Etymology
The word "background" is a combination of two older English words: "back" and "ground."
"Back" as we know it refers to the rear part of something, or a position behind. "Ground" originally meant the bottom, a foundation, or the surface of the earth.
When these two words were put together, the earliest known use of "background" as a single word (as a noun) was in the late 1600s, specifically around 1672. Its first meaning came from the world of theater. It referred to the scenery or situation behind the main action on a stage. Think of the painted backdrops that create the setting for a play.
Over time, this idea expanded. By the mid-1700s, it was being used in painting to mean the part of a picture that is furthest away from the viewer. Later still, in the 1800s, the figurative sense of "background" developed, referring to a person's history, experiences, or the circumstances that help explain something. So, from theatrical scenery, it evolved to encompass everything that sets the scene, whether literally or figuratively.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Background
In the background: Not prominent, but present; less noticeable.
To fade into the background: To become less important or visible.
Against a background of: Occurring in the context of certain circumstances or events.
To have a strong background in (something): To possess extensive experience or knowledge in a particular field.
To keep (something) in the background: To intentionally not highlight or focus on something.
Background noise: Unwanted sound that interferes with listening or concentration.
Background check: An investigation into a person's past, often for employment or security purposes.
Background information: Details or context provided to understand a main subject.
To blend into the background: To become inconspicuous or unnoticeable.
From all walks of life and backgrounds: Referring to people from diverse social, economic, and cultural origins.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of background from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
