Meaning & Definition of word "Foreground"

Foreground

/ˈfɔːrɡraʊnd/

noun:

  • 1. The part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer.
    • Example: In the foreground of the painting, there are several colorful flowers.
  • 2. The most prominent or important part of something.
    • Example: The issue of climate change is at the forefront of global discussions, making it a key foreground topic in the conference.
  • 3. The part of a field of view that is closest to a viewer, especially in a visual medium.
    • Example: The artist skillfully blurred the background while keeping the subject in the foreground sharply in focus.

verb:

  • 1. To bring to the forefront or make prominent.
    • Example: The documentary aims to foreground the voices of those affected by the crisis.
  • 2. To place or position something in the foreground of a composition.
    • Example: In order to emphasize the main character, the director decided to foreground her in several key scenes.

Etymology

From Middle English foregrond, combining 'fore-' meaning 'before' and 'ground' meaning 'the solid surface of the earth'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

in the foreground:

In a position of prominence or importance.

foreground image:

An image that shows the foreground of a larger scene.

foreground processing:

The processing that is currently active in a computer.

Related Words

background:

The part of the view that is farthest from the viewer.

midground:

The part of a picture between the foreground and background.

scene:

The place where an incident in real life or fiction occurs.

Slang Meanings of foreground

Meaning: Being in the spotlight or the center of attention.

Example Sentence: After that speech, he's definitely in the foreground of the conversation.

Meaning: To bring something to the forefront or to emphasize.

Example Sentence: She foregrounded the issue during the meeting.