back•groundBrE /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
NAmE /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
noun
thesaurus
background noun1 [C]
The job would suit sb with a design background.record 
past history upbringing origin/origins roots parentage track record life history
sb has a background/history/record/track record of sth sb has a/their background/record/track record/origins/roots in sth(a) working class/middle class background/upbringing/origins/roots sb's ethnic/social/cultural background/origin/roots2 [C, usually sing., U]the complex historical background to the warcontext setting | written backdrop | formal milieuagainst a background/backdrop the cultural/historical/economic/political background/context/setting/milieudescribe the background/context/settingBackground or backdrop?Background has a much wider range than backdrop, which is used especially in more literary texts and in the phrase against a backdrop of sthbackground informationCan you give me some more background?It was against this background/backdrop of racial tension that the civil war began.3 [C, usually sing.]snow-capped mountains in the backgroundsetting surroundings | written backdrop
the foregroundagainst a/the background/backdrop of sth a dramatic background/setting/backdropprovide/create (a) background/setting/surroundings/backdrop 
synonyms
environmentsetting surroundings backgroundThese are all words for the type of place in which sb/sth exists or is situated.
environment the conditions in a place that affect the behaviour and development of sb/sth: An unhappy home environment can affect children's behaviour. ◇ a pleasant working environment setting a place or situation or a particular type, in which sth happens or exists: The island provided an idyllic setting for the concert. surroundings everything that is around or near sb/sth: The huts blend in perfectly with their surroundings. background the things or area behind or around the main objects or people that are in a place or picture: The mountains in the background were capped with snow.in (a/an) environment/setting/surroundings(a/an) new/unfamiliar environment/setting/surroundingssb/sth's immediate environment/surroundings(a) dramatic setting/background 
example bank
Against that general background, let me give you a more detailed view of current practice.Can you tell me something about your family background?Children from a military background often move around a lot.Even people with a technical background will struggle to understand some of the jargon.He came from a very privileged background.He had learned how to melt invisibly into the background.He prefers to remain in the background and let his assistant deal with the press.Her academic background includes a degree in education.Her background was in biology and medicine.I could see my secretary hovering in the background.I think we get on well because we're from similar backgrounds.In the future, we will require background checks on airport employees.It is important to have a broad educational background.Most paintings look good against a neutral background colour/color.She has a good solid background in management.She wanted to know about his criminal background.The areas of water stood out against the dark background.The book provides the background to the revolution.The dispute over the new contract allowed her other problems to fade into the background.The mountains in the background were capped with snow.The signal was very clear, with no background hiss or distortion.The students are drawn from very mixed social backgrounds.The wolves' coats turn white to match their snowy background.There was a radio on in the background.Those discussions formed the background to the decision.We work with clients from diverse backgrounds.Who did the background vocals on that track?an economist with a background in businessbackground information on the countrybright blue on a red backgroundchildren from deprived backgroundsthe historical background of the projectthe technical background to the reportCan you give me more background on the company's financial position?Discrimination on the basis of race, sex or social background will not be tolerated.Encyclopedias are a good source of background information.The book explains the complex historical background to the war.The classes are designed for students with a background in history or theology.We are from very different backgrounds but we get on very well.We were provided with soft lights and a tranquil background.sb's family/social/cultural/educational/class background family/education, etc. 
1 [countable] the details of a person's family, education, experience, etca person's family/social/cultural/educational/class background The job would suit someone with a business background. In spite of their very different backgrounds, they immediately became friends. past 2 [countable, usually singular, uncountable] the circumstances or past events that help explain why sth is how it is; information about thesethe historical background to the warbackground information/knowledge The elections are taking place against a background of violence. Can you give me more background on the company? of picture/photo 3 [countable, usually singular] the part of a picture, photograph or view behind the main objects, people, etca photograph with trees in the background 
compare foreground less important position 4 [singular] a position in which people are not paying attention to sb/sth or not as much attention as they are paying to sb/sth elseHe prefers to remain in the background and let his assistant talk to the press.A piano tinkled gently in the background.background musicThere was a lot of background noise (= that you could hear, but were not listening to). compare foreground colour under sth 5 [countable, usually singular] a colour or design on which sth is painted, drawn, etcThe name of the company is written in red on a white background.
in the ˈbackground (computing) (of a computer program) not being used at the present time and appearing on the screen behind programs that are being used compare in the foreground more at merge into the background at merge
