foreground
foreground Lexical Profile
foreground Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The part of a view, picture, or scene that is nearest to the observer, especially in contrast to the middle ground and background.
"In the painting, a cluster of wildflowers appears in the foreground while snow-capped mountains rise in the distance."
The most prominent, conspicuous, or important position in a situation or field of attention.
"Environmental sustainability has moved into the foreground of urban planning discussions."
• verb
To make something the most prominent, noticeable, or important feature; to bring to the center of attention.
"The historian's latest book foregrounds the experiences of ordinary citizens during the industrial transition."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 17th century by combining the prefix fore- ('in front of') with ground ('surface or area'), originally in the context of landscape painting, likely modeled on Dutch voorgrond.