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

Job Seeker’s Circle of Support: The Family More than ever, the job seeker’s family can and should be a big part of the job search process, not so much in the foreground, but certainly in the background. —Eli Amdur, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Grand Rapids-Kentwood, Michigan High-rise office buildings of Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, with the Grand River in the foreground. —Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024

Verb

Bars and restaurants across the state are following suit and foregrounding their Goan identity. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024

The documentary, a blistering portrait of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that foregrounds a longstanding corruption investigation against him, made the cut despite having no major distributor or streamer. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Dec. 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