Foreground

/ˈfɔːrɡraʊnd/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer.
In the foreground of the painting, there are several colorful flowers.
The most prominent or important part of something.
The issue of climate change is at the forefront of global discussions, making it a key foreground topic in the conference.
The part of a field of view that is closest to a viewer, especially in a visual medium.
The artist skillfully blurred the background while keeping the subject in the foreground sharply in focus.
verb
To bring to the forefront or make prominent.
The documentary aims to foreground the voices of those affected by the crisis.
To place or position something in the foreground of a composition.
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

Being in the spotlight or the center of attention.
After that speech, he's definitely in the foreground of the conversation.
To bring something to the forefront or to emphasize.
She foregrounded the issue during the meeting.