background

back|ground

W2S2 [ˈbækgraund] n

1.)

someone's family, education, previous work etc

▪ Steve has a background in computer engineering.

▪ Students with a background in chemistry will probably find the course easier.

▪ It's important to understand other people, people from different backgrounds .

▪ people from different ethnic and social backgrounds

▪ Cultural background might account for some of the variations noted in the studies.

▪ the educational background of top executives

▪ They told me everything there was to know about the child's family background .

▪ a program that helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds

2.) [U and C]

the situation or past events that explain why something happens in the way that it does

background to

▪ Without knowing the background to the case, I couldn't possibly comment.

against a background of sth

▪ The peace talks are being held against a background of increasing violence.

background information/details/data etc

▪ The author included a new chapter of background material for the second edition of the book.

3.) [C usually singular]

the area that is behind the main thing that you are looking at, especially in a picture

▪ The background looks a little out of focus.

in the background

▪ In the background you can see a few of my old college friends.

4.)

the pattern or colour on top of which something has been drawn, printed etc

▪ red lettering on a white background

5.) in the background

someone who keeps or stays in the background tries not to be noticed

▪ The President's advisors are content to remain in the background.

6.) [U and C]

the sounds that you can hear apart from the main thing that you are listening to

in the background

▪ In the background I could hear the sound of traffic.

▪ All of the background noise made it difficult to have a phone conversation.

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COLLOCATES for sense 1

have a background (in something)

with a background (in something)

(be/come) from different backgrounds

social background

cultural background

educational background

ethnic background

family background

class background

deprived/disadvantaged background (=not having many advantages)

privileged background (=having many advantages)

working-class/middle-class background

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