background

noun

US /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/

Word Forms

singular	background
plural	backgrounds

1
countable the type of career, training, or education that someone has had
His musical background helps him a lot in his job.
background in:
We are looking for writers with a background in law.
Synonyms and related words
General words relating to jobs and work
a good/smart/clever career move
appointment
background
1. 1a
  the type of culture, economic situation, or social status that someone comes from
  students from very different backgrounds
  The mayor’s background is solidly middle class.
  Synonyms and related words
  Social class and attitudes to class
  above your station
  background
  beginnings
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with background
▪ blue-collar, cultural, disadvantaged, educational, ethnic, middle-class, privileged, religious, social
2
singular/uncountable the general situation in which something happens
background of:
The talks have been taking place against a background of increasing violence.
Synonyms and related words
General words for situations and circumstances
situation
circumstance
conditions
1. 2a
  information about what has happened in the past that helps you to understand the present situation
  Let me give you a little background about myself.
  background to:
  We need to know the background to the case.
  background information/knowledge/material:
  You’ll need some background information on the local economy.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for information, news and facts
  information
  data
  content
3
countable the part of a picture or pattern that is behind the main people or things in it. The main person or thing is in the foreground
a red cross on a white background
Synonyms and related words
General words for works of art and pictures
art
artwork
assemblage

phrases

in the background

on background

background ​‌‌‌

background ​‌‌‌

background

background