Foregrounding - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
Emphasizing or drawing attention to a particular element in a text or situation.
Synonyms:
highlighting, emphasizing, accentuating, spotlighting
Part of Speech:
noun, verb (gerund)
Antonyms:
backgrounding, downplaying, ignoring
Common Collocations:
literary foregrounding, visual foregrounding, thematic foregrounding
Derivatives:
foregrounded, foregrounds
Usage Tips:
Use "foregrounding" to describe deliberate emphasis in art, literature, or speech for effect or clarity.
Common Phrases:
"foregrounding the issue, " "foregrounding a theme, " "foregrounding the protagonist"
Etymology:
Derived from "foreground," combining "fore-" (front) + "ground," originating in early 20th-century literary criticism.
Examples:
- 1. The poet uses foregrounding to make the imagery vivid.
- 2. Foregrounding key themes helps readers grasp the story’s message quickly.
- 3. The painting’s foregrounding of light creates a dramatic effect.
- 4. In her speech, she focused on foregrounding social justice issues.