arrière-plan

background

noun ah-ryehr-PLAHN Rare

Also means

backdrop

Usage Note

Arrière-plan is used both literally (the background of a photograph or painting) and figuratively (the backdrop of events). En arrière-plan ('in the background') is a very common phrase. In computing, en arrière-plan also means 'running in the background'. The plural is arrière-plans.

Examples

"Les montagnes sont visibles en arrière-plan."

Natural Translation

The mountains are visible in the background.

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