easy
The bird was small in the background of the picture.
What does Background mean?
Background means what is behind something or the context that explains it.
Dictionary definition
The part behind the main subject, or earlier information that helps explain something.
Example sentences
Background in a sentence
medium
The article gave background before explaining the problem.
hard
Knowing the character’s background helped readers understand her decision.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice background in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Background
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does background mean?
Background means what is behind something or the context that explains it.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to background?
Context is closest because it connects to this meaning: Background means what is behind something or the context that explains it.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast to background?
Foreground is a useful contrast because background means: Background means what is behind something or the context that explains it.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Background
Voice settings
Sounds like
bak · ground · strongest beat: bak
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordBackground.
Partnoun.
MeaningBackground means what is behind something or the context that explains it.
ExampleExample: The bird was small in the background of the picture.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- bak · ground
- Strongest beat
- bak
- Ending
- ground
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on bak.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced background.
Synonyms
Words like Background
Antonyms
Opposite words
foregroundThe part closest to the viewer.
main pointThe central idea rather than supporting context.
Synonym practice
Want to practice background synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The book gave background about the scientist's childhood," then compare close word choices. Practice background synonyms.
Word family
Background word family
Base word
background
noun
backgrounds
More than one background.
verb
backgrounded
Placed in the background or gave context in the past.
noun
backgrounding
The act of giving context.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Background
Hint for students
Look for what is behind the main thing or the facts that help explain it.
Common mix-up
Do not confuse background with the main point; background supports or explains the main subject.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The article gave background before explaining the problem. Clue words: article, explaining, problem. Underline clue words that show context, setting, or information that explains something. Now write one new sentence that shows background without using the word background. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show background?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The article gave background before explaining the problem." Why does background fit better than foreground?
Learning activities
Practice Background and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice BACKGROUND” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Practice BACKGROUND
Synonym Search
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