foreground

American  

[fawr-ground] / ˈfɔrˌgraʊnd /

noun

1. the ground or parts situated, or represented as situated, in the front; the portion of a scene or picture nearest to the viewer (background ).

2. a prominent or important position; forefront.

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verb (used with object)

1. to put in the foreground.

   The fact that the central character is Italian is not foregrounded.

foreground British  

/ ˈfɔːˌɡraʊnd /

noun

1. the part of a scene situated towards the front or nearest to the viewer

2. the area of space in a perspective picture, depicted as nearest the viewer

3. a conspicuous or active position

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verb

1. (tr) to emphasize (an issue, idea, or word)

Etymology

Origin of foreground

First recorded in 1685–95; fore- + ground ¹

Example Sentences

During one orbit, Anders captured Earth's brilliant blue hue standing out against the vast darkness of space and accentuated by the desolate, grey lunar horizon in the foreground.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

He anticipated that the mission would later afford him a view with the Moon in the foreground and Earth hanging in the distance.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

It is also positioned so that telescopes in both hemispheres can observe it, and it lacks bright foreground objects that might block the view.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

Onlookers are invited to be mesmerized by the fuchsia flames of Gwi-Ma’s realm as the movie’s hooky synth pop bounces in the foreground.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

To the surveyors who shot it, all but the summit nub of Peak XV was obscured by various high escarpments in the foreground, several of which gave the illusion of being much greater in stature.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• forefront