background
UK: ˈbækɡraʊnd | US: ˈbækɡraʊnd
n. the part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer
n. a person's education, experience, or social circumstances
n. the circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time
The word "background" combines "back" (from Old English bæc, meaning "rear") and "ground" (from Old English grund, meaning "base" or "foundation"). Originally used in art to describe the distant part of a scene, it later expanded metaphorically to describe a person's history or the context of events. The logic reflects spatial hierarchy (back as secondary) applied to abstract concepts.
The mountains formed a beautiful background for the photograph.
Her academic background includes a degree in physics.
The political background of the conflict is complex.
He kept his personal life in the background.
The software runs processes in the background.