foreground
UK[ˈfɔːɡraʊnd]US[ˈfɔːrɡraʊnd]
n
the part of a view, picture, or scene that is nearest to and in front of the observer.
n
the most prominent or important position.
v
to make something the most prominent or important feature; to bring something to the forefront.
Morpheme Breakdown
fore
ground
fore
front
ground
base
Etymology
the word 'foreground' is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. 'fore', with its ancient germanic roots, consistently denotes a position ahead or in front. 'ground', also from old english, originally referred to the bottom or foundation, later extending to mean the surface of the earth or a defined area. when combined, the literal meaning "the ground or area that is in front" was created, initially used in the context of visual arts and perspective to describe the nearest part of a scene. this spatial sense was later metaphorically extended to signify the most prominent or important position in any situation, bringing an idea or issue to the 'front' of attention.
Analysis
Structure: fore (front) + ground (base)
fore (from old english 'fore', meaning 'before, in front of', of germanic origin; a prefix/adverb indicating position). ground (from old english 'grund', meaning 'bottom, foundation, earth', of germanic origin; a noun forming the base element).
Examples
the artist painted detailed flowers in the foreground of the landscape.
education has been pushed to the foreground of the political debate.
the documentary foregrounds the personal stories of the volunteers.