1 foreground | Definition of foreground

foreground

noun
fore·​ground | \ ˈfȯr-ËŒgrau̇nd How to pronounce foreground (audio) \

Definition of foreground

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator Objects in the foreground seem larger than those in the background.
2 : a position of prominence : forefront We want this issue to be in the foreground.
3 : a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task — compare background

foreground

verb
foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds

Definition of foreground (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to bring to the foreground especially : to give prominence or emphasis to

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of foreground in a Sentence

Noun

We want the issue to be in the foreground.

Verb

Public discussion has foregrounded the issue of health care. repeatedly foregrounded his experience in international affairs in the course of his campaign for the presidency
See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In this July 15, 2014 file photo, hikers gather in the foreground as climbers use the assistance of cables to scale Half Dome in Yosemite National Park National Park in California's Sierra Nevada. Peter Fimrite, SFChronicle.com, "Woman falls 500 feet to her death from cables at Half Dome in Yosemite," 6 Sep. 2019 In each one, life-size kings, princes, princesses and courtiers occupy a corner of the foreground. Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, "‘Renaissance Splendor: Catherine de’ Medici’s Valois Tapestries’ Review: Woven Vistas of Pageantry," 4 Dec. 2018 Disney also dropped a poster for The Rise of Skywalker, which curiously features Palpatine staring straight at you as Rey and Kylo Ren duel in the foreground. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "Disney releases new footage from The Rise of Skywalker," 26 Aug. 2019 Rochester continues to work on a series of paintings that include bright backgrounds with black and white images in the foreground. Dennis Hohenberger, courant.com, "Art Center Opens New Exhibit," 22 Aug. 2019 The genius plan unfolded on a Los Angeles rooftop with a helicopter in the foreground. Jasmine Grant, Essence, "Bridal Bliss: Kornelius and Rachel Came Ready Carpet Ready To Their Elegant Ceremony," 21 Aug. 2019 Since late 2016, a certain type of photo has become increasingly popular on Instagram feeds: A shot with an artfully blurred background and single foreground subject in focus. Madeline Buxton, refinery29.com, "Instagram Stories May Get The iPhone's Best Camera Feature," 12 Mar. 2018 Then, each goes through a process of digital enhancement — the subtraction of eyes and ears, the addition of clip-art slogans and logos, maybe a vintage banner in the background or a vase of flowers in the foreground. Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Know, "At Leon Gallery, the allure and danger of our Instagram lives," 4 Aug. 2019 The filigreed serenades of the wind section were in the foreground throughout—the growl of the contrabassoon was delightfully prominent—and the tympani rolled with a primal thunder. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, "A Revelatory Performance by the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra," 31 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The theatrical elements give P2 an air of surreality, while also foregrounding its status as, well, a game. Julie Muncy, WIRED, "Pathologic 2 and What Games Can Learn From Low-Tech Art," 7 June 2019 By making him and Jackson into mismatched partners on a crime-solving mission, the movie foregrounds generational conflict, which brings a sense of the actual change that eludes Men in Black: International. Jesse Hassenger, The Verge, "Men in Black: International and Shaft show the limits of modern film franchises," 21 June 2019 Fernández Mallo’s work arrives in the United States as part of a procession of books that have foregrounded the velocity of their composition. Christopher Beha, Harper's magazine, "Mallo My!," 10 Mar. 2019 And at the end of the episode, Bonnie, upset with her mother following a tense dinner, asks her to leave, though Elizabeth stays on anyway — thereby foregrounding their complicated relationship and downplaying the question of race. Greg Braxton, latimes.com, "‘Big Little Lies’ is less white this season. That doesn't mean it’s smart about race," 16 June 2019 Gymnastics is a sport where aesthetics are foregrounded. Dvorameyers, Longreads, "The Gymnast’s Position," 5 June 2019 Newsletter Sign-up Mr. Karpeles foregrounds what Czapski himself would have wished to be his legacy: his painting. Cynthia Haven, WSJ, "Book Review: Shouldering the Century’s Burden," 25 Jan. 2019 From the beginning, the subtlety and brilliance of Cusk’s project arises from her decision not to foreground Faye’s specific loss. New York Times, "Rachel Cusk Strips the Novel Down to Its Frame. Again.," 6 June 2018 In upcoming shows, Rabinow plans to foreground issues of social justice that were as urgent for the de Menils as their commitment to sharing art with the public. Kristina O’neill, WSJ, "WSJ. Magazine Editor’s Letter: Selfie Reinvention," 11 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'foreground.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of foreground

Noun

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for foreground

foreground

noun

English Language Learners Definition of foreground

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer
: an important position

foreground

verb

English Language Learners Definition of foreground (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make (something) more important

foreground

noun
fore·​ground | \ ˈfȯr-ËŒgrau̇nd How to pronounce foreground (audio) \

Kids Definition of foreground

: the part of a picture or scene that seems to be nearest to and in front of the person looking at it

Keep scrolling for more