background

noun

1 the house stands against a background of sheltering trees:

surrounding(s), backdrop, backcloth, framework;

scene.

2 the figures of the saints are shown against a gold background:

setting, surround, framework.

3 the airport may be seen in the background:

in the distance, on the horizon.

▷antonyms foreground, front.

4 after that evening, she remained in the background:

behind the scenes, out of the public eye, out of the spotlight, out of the limelight, backstage;

inconspicuous, unobtrusive, unnoticed.

5 a mix of students from many different backgrounds:

social circumstances, family circumstances;

environment, class, culture, tradition;

upbringing, rearing.

6 her nursing background:

experience, record, history, past, training, education, grounding, knowledge;

qualifications, credentials;

Latin curriculum vitae.

7 the political background:

circumstances, context, conditions, situation, environment, milieu, scene, scenario, framework, atmosphere;

factors, influences;

lead-up.

background Oxford Dictionary of English