Background ˈbækɡraʊnd Somebody's Extra Examples People I Noun

• somebody's ethnic/genetic/cultural background
• somebody's family/educational background
• the job would suit someone with a business background.
• we come from very different backgrounds but we get on well.

background

1. the details of a person’s family, education, experience, etc.
• somebody's ethnic/genetic/cultural background
• somebody's family/educational background
• The job would suit someone with a business background.
• We come from very different backgrounds but we get on well.
• She has a background in journalism.
• In the future, we will require background checks on airport employees.

Extra Examples

• In spite of their very different backgrounds, they immediately became friends.
• Can you tell me something about your family background?
• Children from a military background often move around a lot.
• Even people with a technical background will struggle to understand some of the jargon.
• He came from a very privileged background.
• Her academic background includes a degree in education.
• Her background was in biology and medicine.
• I think we get on well because we're from similar backgrounds.
• It is important to have a broad educational background.
• She wanted to know about his criminal background.
• The students are drawn from very mixed social backgrounds.
• We work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• She is an economist with a background in business.
• I work with children from deprived backgrounds.
• Discrimination on the basis of race, sex or social background will not be tolerated.
• The classes are designed for students with a background in history or theology.
2. the circumstances or past events that help explain why something is how it is; information about these
• I'm including a little background information on the situation.
• The book explains the complex historical background to the war.
• The elections are taking place against a background of violence.
• Our reporter can now provide more background on this story.
• Can you give me more background on the company?

Extra Examples

• Against that general background, let me give you a more detailed view of current practice.
• The book provides the background to the revolution.
• Those discussions formed the background to the decision.
• Encyclopedias are a good source of background information.
3. the part of a picture, photograph or view behind the main objects, people, etc.
• COMPARE foreground
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/foreground_2
• a photograph with trees in the background
• A shadowy figure is visible in the background of the scene.
• The areas of water stood out against the dark background.

Extra Examples

• The mountains in the background were capped with snow.
• The wolves' coats turn white to match their snowy background.
4. a position in which people are not paying attention to somebody/something or not as much attention as they are paying to somebody/something else
• COMPARE foreground
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/foreground_2
• The camerawork, the background music and the locations all contribute to the mood of the film.
• There was a lot of background noise (= that you could hear, but were not listening to).
• background radiation
• He prefers to remain in the background and let his assistant talk to the press.
• A piano was playing gently in the background.
• Danger was always lurking in the background.
• The issue has recently faded into the background.
• After the first scene, his character is relegated to the background.

Extra Examples

• There was a radio on in the background.
• I could see my secretary hovering in the background.
• He had learned how to melt invisibly into the background.
• The dispute over the new contract allowed her other problems to fade into the background.
• The signal was very clear, with no background hiss or distortion.
• Who did the background vocals on that track?
• We were provided with soft lights and a tranquil background.
5. a colour or design on which something is painted, drawn, etc.
• The name of the company is written in red on a white background.
• Most paintings look good against a neutral background colour.
6. used to refer to tasks or processes that the user is not actively working on at the present time
• Programs can be left running in the background.
• Find and kill unwanted background processes like viruses and trojans.
7. to behave quietly when you are with a group of people so that they do not notice you