Foreground: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ณ
foreground
[ หfษหrษกraสnd ]
art, design
The foreground refers to the part of a view that is nearest to the observer, especially in a picture or photograph. It typically contains the most important elements of the scene and often captures the viewer's attention first. In art and photography, manipulating the foreground can create depth and perspective, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition. The foreground can also be used to convey meaning or emotion, influencing the overall impact of the work.
Synonyms
foregrounding, forepart, front
Examples of usage
- The vibrant flowers in the foreground catch my eye.
- The artist skillfully placed the trees in the foreground.
- In the photograph, the cityscape is blurred, with the people in the foreground clearly visible.
focus, prioritize
To foreground something means to make it prominent or give it emphasis in a particular context. This can involve highlighting specific details or aspects in speech, discussion, or presentation. Foregrounding is often used in literary and rhetorical analysis to draw attention to certain themes or motifs within a text. It contrasts with backgrounding, where less important details are downplayed.
Synonyms
accentuate, emphasize, highlight
Examples of usage
- The report foregrounds the need for better resources.
- The speaker foregrounded the importance of mental health.
- In her essay, she foregrounded the socio-economic issues.
Translations
Translations of the word "foreground" in other languages:
๐ต๐น primeiro plano
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคเฅเคฏ เคฆเฅเคถเฅเคฏ
๐ฉ๐ช Vordergrund
๐ฎ๐ฉ latar depan
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพะฝะพะฒะต ะทะพะฑัะฐะถะตะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ pierwszy plan
๐ฏ๐ต ๅๆฏ
๐ซ๐ท premier plan
๐ช๐ธ primer plano
๐น๐ท รถn plan
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ๊ฒฝ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูู ูุฏู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ popลedรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ pozadie
๐จ๐ณ ๅๆฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ sprednji naฤrt
๐ฎ๐ธ fyrirframan
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะดัาฃาั ะถะพัะฟะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แฌแแแ แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ รถn plan
๐ฒ๐ฝ plano de fondo
Etymology
The word 'foreground' traces its roots back to the late 18th century, combining 'fore' and 'ground.' The prefix 'fore' is derived from the Old English 'foran,' meaning 'before' or 'in front of,' while 'ground' comes from the Old English 'grund,' denoting the bottom or surface of an area. Initially, the term was applied in a literal sense to indicate the front part of a landscape or scene. Over time, 'foreground' evolved to have metaphorical implications, particularly in art and literature. By the 20th century, it was widely adopted in various fields such as photography, design, and critical theory to discuss composition and thematic significance. The expansion of its use reflects a broader cultural interest in perception and the ways in which we engage with our environments, whether visually or intellectually.