foreground

[ fawr-ground ]

noun

1. the ground or parts situated, or represented as situated, in the front; the portion of a scene or picture nearest to the viewer ( background ).
2. a prominent or important position; forefront.

verb (used with object)

1. to put in the foreground:

   The fact that the central character is Italian is not foregrounded.

foreground

/ ˈfɔːˌɡraʊnd /

noun

1. the part of a scene situated towards the front or nearest to the viewer
2. the area of space in a perspective picture, depicted as nearest the viewer
3. a conspicuous or active position

verb

1. tr to emphasize (an issue, idea, or word)

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreground¹

First recorded in 1685–95; fore- + ground ¹

Example Sentences

I had never worked with a director who was that meticulous and that concerned with foreground, background, decor, costume, hair, makeup, accent, acting, mood, atmosphere.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans of her club, which foregrounds Black female writers, will likely want to read about the authors who shaped this self-made literary titan.

From Los Angeles Times

This is down to the "Moon illusion" which tricks the eye into thinking the Moon is larger when we see it with a foreground of buildings, trees or hills.

From BBC

Part of the film’s fun is that many of the scenes feature Norman in the foreground with action often happening behind him.

From Salon

Bell, 82, an acting savant who broke into cinema’s foreground in his sixties, explains that the pages are occupied by a series of questions about the character.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• forefront