foreground

1 of 2

noun

fore·​ground ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd 

1

: the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator

Objects in the foreground seem larger than those in the background.

2

: a position of prominence : forefront

We want this issue to be in the foreground.

3

: a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task compare background

foreground

2 of 2

verb

foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds

transitive verb

: to bring to the foreground

especially : to give prominence or emphasis to

Synonyms

Verb

• accent
• accentuate
• emphasize
• feature
• highlight
• illuminate
• play up
• point (up)
• press
• punctuate
• stress

Examples of foreground in a Sentence

Noun

We want the issue to be in the foreground.

Verb

Public discussion has foregrounded the issue of health care.

repeatedly foregrounded his experience in international affairs in the course of his campaign for the presidency

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

What makes the picture so beautiful is the pall of spidery dark lines in the foreground. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

Hildale, Utah, is pictured sitting at the base of Red Rock Cliff mountains, with its sister city, Colorado City, Ariz., in the foreground on Dec. 16, 2014. —CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

foreground

noun

fore·​ground

ˈfō(ə)r-ˌgrau̇nd,

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

: the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer