background

(băkˈgroundˌ)

1. The ground or scenery located behind something.
2. a. The part of a pictorial representation that appears to be in the distance and that provides relief for the principal objects in the foreground.
   b. The general scene or surface against which designs, patterns, or figures are represented or viewed.
3. A position or area of relative inconspicuousness or unimportance.
4. The circumstances and events surrounding or leading up to an event or occurrence.
5. A person's experience, training, and education: Her background in the arts is impressive.
6. Subdued music played especially as an accompaniment to dialogue in a dramatic performance.
7. a. Sound that intrudes on or interferes with an audio recording.
   b. Low-level radiation, as from radioactive decay, that exists as part of the natural environment.

Related Forms:

• backˈgroundˌ verb