I. ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd noun
Usage: often attributive
Date: 1672
1.
a. : the scenery or ground behind something
b. : the part of a painting representing what lies behind objects in the foreground
2. : an inconspicuous position
3.
a. : the conditions that form the setting within which something is experienced
b.
(1) : the circumstances or events antecedent to a phenomenon or development
(2) : information essential to understanding of a problem or situation
c. : the total of a person's experience, knowledge, and education
4.
a. : intrusive sound or radiation that interferes with received or recorded electronic signals
b. : a more or less steady level of noise above which the effect (as radioactivity) being measured by an apparatus (as a Geiger counter) is detected ; especially : a somewhat steady level of radiation in the natural environment (as from cosmic rays)
5. : a level of computer processing at which the processor uses time not required for a primary task to work on an additional task — compare foreground
•
- on background
Synonyms:
background , setting , environment , milieu , mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs. background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development
the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots
setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms
a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting
environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development
the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents
milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons
an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation
mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect
a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène
II. transitive verb
Date: 1768
: to provide with background