background

noun

• 1 [in singular] the area or scenery behind the main object of contemplation, especially when perceived as a framework for it:the house stands against a background of sheltering trees
• the part of a picture or design that serves as a setting to the main figures or objects, or that appears furthest from the viewer:the background shows a landscape of domes and minarets the word is written in white on a red background
• a position or function that is not prominent or conspicuous:after that evening, Athens remained in the background
• Computing used to describe tasks or processes running on a computer that do not need input from the user:programs can be left running in the background
• Physics low-intensity radiation from radioisotopes present in the natural environment.
• unwanted signals, such as noise in the reception or recording of sound.

• 2the circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event:the political and economic background [as modifier]:background information
• a person’s education, experience, and social circumstances:she has a background in nursing a mix of students from many different backgrounds