backgrounding

1. 1
   noununcountable

   The act of moving something out of focus so it gets less attention.

   Like turning a radio down low so you can still hear someone talking.

   The backgrounding of the music made the speaker's voice easier to hear.

   Through careful backgrounding of the crowd, the photo kept the child in focus.

   Similarmarginalization, downplaying

   Note
2. 2
   verb

   Present participle of background. Use this -ing form for an action happening now.

   The recruiter is backgrounding the new hire before tomorrow's interview.

   The artist is backgrounding the distant hills in pale gray.

   Note
3. 3
   noununcountable

   A stage in raising young cattle when they grow bigger and stronger on grass and grain before being fattened for market.

   Like a middle grade in school that gets students ready before a harder one.

   The young calves spent the summer in backgrounding, eating grass to gain weight.

   Good backgrounding helps the animals grow strong before they are fattened for market.

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