Category:Background

Back"ground`, n. Etym: [Back, a. + ground.]

1. Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.

2. (Paint.)

Defn: The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.

Note: The distance in a picture is usually divided into foreground, middle distance, and background. Fairholt.

3. Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings.

4. A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight. I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished. . . performance. Mrs. Alexander. A husband somewhere in the background. Thackeray.