SINCE 1828

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in the background

Definition of in the background

: in a position that avoids attracting attention He was a shy man who always tried to keep/stay in the background.

Word by Word Definitions

backgroundplay

: the scenery or ground behind something
: the part of a painting representing what lies behind objects in the foreground
: an image that displays on a computer screen underneath the various available icons and windows

: to provide with background

See the full definition of background

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up in the background? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

nudnik

play

a person who is a bore or nuisance

Words at Play

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How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

boulton-and-park

Notes on 'Campy'

Plus: how to use n'importe in a sentence

What is 'Sin'?

It's striking how little this word has changed

Ah, 'Romance': A Word Borne to English on the Breastplates of Chivalry

The true and lovesome history of 'romance'

Ask the Editors

Is it wrong to use 'decimate' to mean 'destroy'?

Language changes

The Serial Comma

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Where in the World? A Quiz

Do you know what languages these words come from?

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What's that Smell?! Quiz

Words for odors and such...

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Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

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SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

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