foreground

[fawr-ground]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to put in the foreground.

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

foreground

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreground¹

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

Example Sentences

But the featured clips don’t foreground the broadsheet’s noble history.

From Salon

He fills the wide screen with bursts of light or a background giving way to a fantasy sequence while the dreamer remains in the foreground, with zooms and cutting and odd angles.

From Salon

A leaping male diver seen from behind dominates the lower foreground, angled toward the water.

From Los Angeles Times

Some foreground our differences — the textures we prize, the sweetness we expect, the ways we learn to eat.

From Salon

Details about Alejandro’s friendship with Julian, both Mexican students in the United States with a shared passion for tennis, will eventually come into the foreground.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• forefront