Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition background in British English

background noun

noun
/ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/

▪ cultural, disadvantaged, educational, ethnic, middle-class, privileged, religious, social, working-class

1

the type of family, social position, or culture that someone comes from

Example

students from very different backgrounds

Synonyms and related words
above your station background beginnings
1.1

the type of career, training, or education that someone has had

Example

His musical background helps him a lot in his job.

Example

We are looking for writers with a background in law.

2

the general situation in which something happens

Example

The talks have been taking place against a background of increasing violence.

Synonyms and related words
situation circumstance conditions
2.1

information about what has happened in the past that helps you to understand the present situation

Example

Let me give you a bit of background about myself.

Example

We need to know the background to the case.

Example

You'll need some background information on the local economy.

Synonyms and related words
information data datum
3

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

Example

a red cross on a white background

Synonyms and related words
art artwork assemblage
Definition background in British English