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Backdrop: meaning, definitions and examples

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backdrop

[ ˈbakˌdrɒp ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in photography

A painted cloth or set of curtains hung at the back of a stage.

Synonyms

background, setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backdrop	When referring to the physical or metaphorical scenery behind the main action or subject. Often used in the context of theater, movies, or events. The mountains served as a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony. The economic crisis provided a dramatic backdrop for the story.
background	Used to talk about the part of the picture, scene, or description that is not the main focus; often referred to someone's personal history or environmental context. In the background of the photo, you can see the city skyline. She has a background in finance.
setting	Refers to the time and place in which a story takes place. Commonly used in literature, theater, and film. The novel's setting is a small village in Victorian England. The setting of the play is a grand old mansion.

Word

Description / Examples

backdrop

When referring to the physical or metaphorical scenery behind the main action or subject. Often used in the context of theater, movies, or events.

The mountains served as a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony.
The economic crisis provided a dramatic backdrop for the story.

background

Used to talk about the part of the picture, scene, or description that is not the main focus; often referred to someone's personal history or environmental context.

In the background of the photo, you can see the city skyline.
She has a background in finance.

setting

Refers to the time and place in which a story takes place. Commonly used in literature, theater, and film.

The novel's setting is a small village in Victorian England.
The setting of the play is a grand old mansion.

Examples of usage

The photographer set up a backdrop for the portrait session.
The backdrop added a professional touch to the photoshoot.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in movies

The scenery, properties, or background, used to create a particular setting.

Synonyms

environment, setting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backdrop	Used to describe a scenic background often in relation to a stage or performance. It's also used metaphorically to describe the non-physical background to an event or situation. The blue sky served as a beautiful backdrop to the outdoor wedding. The economic crisis provided the backdrop for the political debate.
setting	Describes the time and place in which a story or event takes place. It can also be used to describe the surroundings or context of a particular situation. The novel's setting is in Victorian England. The restaurant's cozy setting made it perfect for a romantic dinner.
environment	Typically used to describe the surrounding conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It can also refer to a workplace or other situational contexts. A clean environment is essential for good health. She thrives in a creative work environment.

Word

Description / Examples

backdrop

Used to describe a scenic background often in relation to a stage or performance. It's also used metaphorically to describe the non-physical background to an event or situation.

The blue sky served as a beautiful backdrop to the outdoor wedding.
The economic crisis provided the backdrop for the political debate.

setting

Describes the time and place in which a story or event takes place. It can also be used to describe the surroundings or context of a particular situation.

The novel's setting is in Victorian England.
The restaurant's cozy setting made it perfect for a romantic dinner.

environment

Typically used to describe the surrounding conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It can also refer to a workplace or other situational contexts.

A clean environment is essential for good health.
She thrives in a creative work environment.

Examples of usage

The elaborate backdrop in the movie enhanced the overall experience for the viewers.
The backdrop of the film was carefully designed to reflect the historical period.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

figurative

A background or setting for events or activities.

Synonyms

context, environment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backdrop	This word is typically used when describing a literal or metaphorical setting, often with an artistic or dramatic connotation. The city skyline provided a dramatic backdrop for the concert The political backdrop to the negotiations was tense
context	This term is used to describe the circumstances or setting for an event, statement, or idea, often to help understand something better. Without the proper context, her remark seemed rude The historical context of the novel is crucial to understanding its themes
environment	Best suited for describing the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. They strive to create a positive work environment The forest provides a rich environment for diverse wildlife

Word

Description / Examples

backdrop

This word is typically used when describing a literal or metaphorical setting, often with an artistic or dramatic connotation.

The city skyline provided a dramatic backdrop for the concert
The political backdrop to the negotiations was tense

context

This term is used to describe the circumstances or setting for an event, statement, or idea, often to help understand something better.

Without the proper context, her remark seemed rude
The historical context of the novel is crucial to understanding its themes

environment

Best suited for describing the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

They strive to create a positive work environment
The forest provides a rich environment for diverse wildlife

Examples of usage

The political backdrop of the election was filled with tension.
The cultural backdrop influenced the development of the artistic movement.

Translations

Translations of the word "backdrop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fundo

🇮🇳 पृष्ठभूमि

🇩🇪 Hintergrund

🇮🇩 latar belakang

🇺🇦 тло

🇵🇱 tło

🇯🇵 背景 (はいけい)

🇫🇷 arrière-plan

🇪🇸 fondo

🇹🇷 arka plan

🇰🇷 배경 (baegyeong)

🇸🇦 خلفية

🇨🇿 pozadí

🇸🇰 pozadie

🇨🇳 背景 (bèijǐng)

🇸🇮 ozadje

🇮🇸 bakgrunnur

🇰🇿 фон

🇬🇪 ფონი

🇦🇿 fon

🇲🇽 fondo

Etymology

The word 'backdrop' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'back' and 'drop'. It was initially used in the context of theater, referring to the painted cloth or set of curtains at the back of the stage. Over time, the term expanded to include the concept of background or setting in various visual arts and figurative contexts. Today, 'backdrop' is commonly used in photography, movies, and everyday language to describe the background or environment in which something takes place.