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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Background

ˈbækˌɡraʊnd
Very common
~ 1400
~ 1400, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer; the area behind the main object or subject., The circumstances or situation that someone comes from or that existed before a particular event., The sounds that can be heard behind someone who is speaking on the phone or broadcasting.

Background - Meanings

The part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer; the area behind the main object or subject.

Example: The mountains in the background of the painting added depth to the landscape.
Usage: formalContext: art, photography, design
Note: Commonly used in visual arts to describe the area behind the main focus.

The circumstances or situation that someone comes from or that existed before a particular event.

Example: She has a background in finance, which makes her a suitable candidate for the job.
Usage: formalContext: job interviews, resumes
Note: Often used in professional contexts to refer to a person's education, experience, or upbringing.

The sounds that can be heard behind someone who is speaking on the phone or broadcasting.

Example: There was a lot of background noise during the conference call, making it hard to hear the speaker.
Usage: informalContext: phone conversations, broadcasting
Note: Used in informal settings to describe unwanted sounds that can be heard in the background.

Background's synonyms

context

Context refers to the circumstances or setting in which something occurs, providing a framework for understanding.
Example: The decision should be made based on the context of the situation.
Note: Context is more specific and often refers to the immediate surroundings or conditions.

environment

Environment refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
Example: The children played happily in the natural environment of the park.
Note: Environment typically emphasizes the physical or external surroundings.

setting

Setting refers to the time and place in which the events of a story, play, or film take place.
Example: The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic setting where survival is a daily struggle.
Note: Setting is often used in a literary or artistic context to describe the backdrop of a narrative.

circumstances

Circumstances refer to the conditions or facts that are relevant to an event or situation.
Example: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event had to be postponed.
Note: Circumstances focus on the specific conditions or factors influencing a particular situation.

Background expressions, common phrases

Background check

A process of investigating a person's history, especially related to employment or criminal records.
Example: Before hiring new employees, the company always conducts thorough background checks to ensure their trustworthiness.
Note: The phrase 'background check' specifically refers to the act of verifying someone's past and is not related to the visual or environmental background.

Background noise

Sounds that can be heard in the background, typically unwanted or distracting.
Example: The interview was challenging due to the constant background noise from the construction site next door.
Note: Unlike 'background' alone, 'background noise' emphasizes the audible distractions in a given environment.

Background information

Factual details or context about a subject that provide a foundation for understanding it.
Example: Before starting the project, it is essential to gather background information on the topic to understand its context.
Note: While 'background' may refer to any general surroundings, 'background information' is specific to essential details or context.

Background music

Music played at a low volume to accompany other activities or create a mood without being the main focus.
Example: The restaurant plays soft background music to create a pleasant atmosphere for diners.
Note: In this phrase, 'background music' emphasizes the role of music as an accompaniment rather than the primary focus.

Background radiation

The constant low-level radiation present in the environment from various natural and artificial sources.
Example: Scientists study the levels of background radiation to understand its impact on the environment.
Note: This phrase specifically denotes the continuous, ambient radiation present in the environment, not just any general background.

Background image

An image placed in the background of a design, such as a webpage or presentation, for aesthetic or contextual purposes.
Example: The website uses a scenic background image to enhance its visual appeal and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Note: Unlike 'background' alone, 'background image' refers to a visual element intentionally placed behind other content for a specific effect.

Background story

The history or narrative that provides context and depth to a character, situation, or event.
Example: The movie provided a detailed background story for the main character, explaining his motivations and actions.
Note: While 'background' can be general, 'background story' specifically refers to a narrative that enriches understanding.

Background color

The color used as the backdrop for text, images, or graphics in a design.
Example: She chose a soothing blue background color for the presentation slides to maintain a professional look.
Note: Unlike 'background' alone, 'background color' focuses on the specific color used in the background of a visual composition.

Background task

A minor or secondary task that supports or complements the main activity.
Example: While working on the main project, she also completed background tasks like organizing files and updating databases.
Note: This phrase highlights tasks that are supplementary or supportive in nature, not the primary focus.

Background everyday (slang) expressions

Backstory

Backstory refers to the background information or history of a character or situation that is not directly presented in the main narrative.
Example: Before we start the movie, let me give you a quick backstory on the main character.
Note: Backstory specifically refers to the history or background of a character or situation in a creative work, whereas background is more general and can refer to any context or setting.

Backburner

Backburner means to delay or set something aside for later attention or consideration.
Example: I had to put that project on the backburner while I focus on more urgent tasks.
Note: While background can refer to any general context or setting, backburner specifically implies setting something aside for later.

Backseat

To take a backseat means to take a position of less prominence or control in a particular situation.
Example: I will take a backseat in this project and let others lead the way.
Note: Backseat implies stepping back or taking a less prominent role, whereas background is more about the context or surroundings.

Backdrop

Backdrop refers to the background or setting against which something is viewed or positioned.
Example: The city skyline served as a beautiful backdrop for the outdoor concert.
Note: Backdrop specifically refers to the setting or scenery behind something, whereas background can be more general.

Backburn

Backburn is a shorthand form of backburner, meaning to postpone or set aside for later.
Example: Let's put that idea on the backburn for now and focus on finishing this task.
Note: Backburn is a more informal shortening of backburner with the same meaning of setting something aside for later.

Backroom

Backroom refers to a place or situation where secretive or important discussions and decisions are made.
Example: Decisions are often made in the backroom before they are presented to the whole team.
Note: Backroom specifically implies secrecy or exclusivity in decision-making, whereas background can refer to any general context.

Background - Examples

The background music was too loud.
She has a background in finance.
The painting has a blue background.

Background grammar

Background - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: background
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): backgrounds, background
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): background
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): backgrounded
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): backgrounding
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): backgrounds
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): background
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): background
Syllables, Separation and Stress
background Contains 2 syllables: back • ground
Phonetic transcription: ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd
back ground , ˈbak ˌ(g)rau̇nd (The red syllable is stressed)

Background - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
background: ~ 1400 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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