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

Throughout it all, the brutal war in Gaza continued in the foreground, its near-daily death toll overshadowing efforts to stop it. —Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025

The views—spruce forests in the foreground, jagged limestone peaks beyond—are spectacular all the way around. —Ann Abel, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Verb

Perhaps that sounds didactic; rest assured that her novels foreground richly specific narratives about individual characters. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025

The proposal foregrounds the most vulnerable road users — 20 out of 32 people who died in 2024 were walking or biking, and two more were on electric scooters. —Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 4 Jan. 2025

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