Background ˈbækɡraʊnd Historical People Person’s Family/Social/Cultural/Educational/Class Business Give

• a person’s family/social/cultural/educational/class background
• the job would suit someone with a business background.
• in spite of their very different backgrounds, they immediately became friends.
• the historical background to the war

background

1. the details of a person’s family, education, experience, etc.
• a person’s family/social/cultural/educational/class background
• The job would suit someone with a business background.
• In spite of their very different backgrounds, they immediately became friends.
2. the circumstances or past events that help explain why something is how it is; information about these
• the historical background to the war
• background information/knowledge
• The elections are taking place against a background of violence.
• Can you give me more background on the company?
3. the part of a picture, photograph or view behind the main objects, people, etc.
• compare foreground
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/foreground_1
• a photograph with trees in the background
• An unhappy home environment can affect children’s behaviour.
• a pleasant working environment
• The island provided an idyllic setting for the concert.
• The huts blend in perfectly with their surroundings.
• The mountains in the background were capped with snow.
• The picture shows a family gathered around a kitchen table.
• This is a picture/photo of a busy city street.
• In the foreground/background, we can see a group of protesters.
• In the bottom right-hand corner/top left-hand corner, there's a child sitting alone.
• On the left/On the right/In the middle, someone is standing with a bottle in his hand.
• In the cartoon, we can see two people looking at a newspaper headline.
• The cartoonist has drawn the man to represent a typical businessman.
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_1
• He prefers to remain in the background and let his assistant talk to the press.
• A piano tinkled gently in the background.
• background music
• There was a lot of background noise (= that you could hear, but were not listening to).
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.
6. not being used at the present time and appearing on the screen behind programs that are being used
• compare in the foreground
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/foreground_1
7. to behave quietly when you are with a group of people so that they do not notice you

Extra Examples

• Against that general background, let me give you a more detailed view of current practice.
• 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.
• He had learned how to melt invisibly into the background.
• He prefers to remain in the background and let his assistant deal with the press.
• Her academic background includes a degree in education.
• Her background was in biology and medicine.
• I could see my secretary hovering in the background.
• I think we get on well because we’re from similar backgrounds.
• In the future, we will require background checks on airport employees.
• It is important to have a broad educational background.
• Most paintings look good against a neutral background colour/color.
• She has a good solid background in management.
• She wanted to know about his criminal background.
• The areas of water stood out against the dark background.
• The book provides the background to the revolution.
• The dispute over the new contract allowed her other problems to fade into the background.
• The mountains in the background were capped with snow.
• The signal was very clear, with no background hiss or distortion.
• The students are drawn from very mixed social backgrounds.
• The wolves’ coats turn white to match their snowy background.
• There was a radio on in the background.
• Those discussions formed the background to the decision.
• We work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Who did the background vocals on that track?
• an economist with a background in business
• background information on the country
• bright blue on a red background
• children from deprived backgrounds
• the historical background of the project
• the technical background to the report
• Can you give me more background on the company’s financial position?
• Discrimination on the basis of race, sex or social background will not be tolerated.
• Encyclopedias are a good source of background information.
• The book explains the complex historical background to the war.
• The classes are designed for students with a background in history or theology.
• We are from very different backgrounds but we get on very well.
• We were provided with soft lights and a tranquil background.
• somebody’s family/social/cultural/educational/class background