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

In the study, April 6th: On the floor in the foreground, on the carpet that forms a sort of narrow green corridor between the white baseboard of a wall and the vertical side of a desk, are several sheets of paper, overlapping and in disarray, covered with handwriting. —Annie Ernaux, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

The concept art does, however, clearly show a rendition of Sleeping Beauty's fire-breathing Maleficent (in dragon form), while roller coaster track can be seen twisting around dark cliffs in the background, and through waterfalls in the foreground. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 11 Aug. 2024

Verb

Much of the coverage of her foregrounds her academic credentials. —A.d. Carson, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2024

Not to mention the many Light and Space surveys now foregrounding her contributions to the movement. —Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 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