How to pronounce background
Say it like BAK-grownd. Background has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
- BAK
- grownd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Background pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- growndGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of background
American and British speakers say background in essentially the same way: /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/ in the US and /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-grownd.
What does background mean?
- Less important or less noticeable in a scene or system.“background noise”
- One's social heritage, or previous life; what one did in the past.“The lawyer had a background in computer science.”
- A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.
- An extra who appears in the background, with no speaking role.
- To place in the background.
- To put in a position that is not prominent.
- To gather and provide background information (on).
Where does background come from?
From back + ground. Compare backstory.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying background
How do you pronounce background?
Say BAK-grownd. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in background?
Background has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · grownd.
Do Americans and Brits say background the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/ and the British form is /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.