background

back|ground [ `bæk,graund ] noun ***

1. ) count the type of career, training, or education that someone has had:

His musical background helps him a lot in his job.

background in: We are looking for writers with a background in law.

a ) the type of culture, economic situation, or social status that someone comes from:

students from very different backgrounds

The mayor's background is solidly middle class.

2. ) count or uncount the general situation in which something happens:

background of: The talks have been taking place against a background of increasing violence.

a ) information about what has happened in the past that helps you to understand the present situation:

Let me give you a little background about myself.

background to: We need to know the background to the case.

background information/knowledge/reading/material: You'll need some background information on the local economy.

3. ) count the part of a picture or pattern that is behind the main people or things in it. The main person or thing is in the foreground:

a red cross on a white background

in the background

1. ) behind the main person or thing you are looking at:

a picture of palm trees with mountains in the background

2. ) a sound in the background can be heard in addition to the main thing you are listening to:

I could hear a TV in the background.

3. ) in a place or situation in which people do not notice you:

Jo does the publicity work, while Ed stays pretty much in the background.

on background AMERICAN MAINLY JOURNALISM

if someone speaks to a reporter on background, they provide information that can be published but do not allow their name to be used