backgrounding
nounUK /ˈbæk.ɡraʊn.dɪŋ/
US /ˈbæk.ɡraʊn.dɪŋ/
The act of making something less important so other things get more attention.
The teacher's backgrounding of the noisy chairs helped the class focus on the story.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In computing, the process of running a program without keeping it on the screen in front.
Backgrounding the app let the phone save battery while the music kept playing.
3. In farming, letting animals stay outside in a field instead of in a barn.
Backgrounding the calves over winter helped them grow strong before spring.
4. The information or setting behind a person, event, or situation.
The reporter spent hours backgrounding the story before writing it.