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

By putting the intention for learning in the foreground, the learning outcomes and work outcomes will be better. —Dr. Lisa Toppin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

While many of the characters are in both the film and the series, most are in the background in the movie but come into the foreground in the series, which goes deeper into their stories, Boss adds. —Ed Meza, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024

Verb

Sign up The adaptation foregrounds two female characters, Irene and Fleur, whose fortunes are linked by one terrible incident, said Sarah Hemming in the Financial Times. —The Week, theweek, 31 Oct. 2024

These coaches are, of course, not alone in prioritizing empathy and foregrounding relationships—numerous scholars, practitioners, and consultants have stressed this point in recent years. —Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 29 Oct. 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