What do you want to learn?

Search 353,402+ words, phrases & grammar rules

📖
Featured Word B1

background (noun)

The conditions that surround or come before an event and help to explain it. It also refers to the part of a picture, scene, or design that forms a setting for the main figures or objects, or a person's experience, education, and family history.

💬 Example

"She comes from a very diverse cultural background."

💡 Memory Tip

Think of a 'BACK' that is on the 'GROUND'. It's the base or the back part of everything you see or know.

🏛️ Origin

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'on the background' for pictures. → Using 'in the background'.

Confusing 'background' with 'experience' in a job interview. → Using 'experience' for skills and 'background' for general history.