/ ˈfɔːgraʊnd; NAmE ˈfɔːrg-/ noun , verb
■ noun the foreground
1.
[ C , usually sing. ] the part of a view, picture, etc. that is nearest to you when you look at it :
The figure in the foreground is the artist's mother.
2.
[ sing. ] an important position that is noticed by people :
Inflation and interest rates will be very much in the foreground of their election campaign.
—compare background
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IDIOMS
- in the foreground
■ verb
[ vn ] to give particular importance to sth :
The play foregrounds the relationship between father and daughter.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent.: from fore- + ground (noun), on the pattern of Dutch voorgrond .