backdrop
gb/bˈækdɹˌɑp/ us/bˈækdɹˌɑp/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
abstract
1
general background or setting
the situation in the background of an event
Usage pattern:
against the backdrop of [situation/event]
Common mistake:
Learners may use it for a physical 'wall' when the meaning is about context; in this sense it usually refers to circumstances, not a literal surface.
Synonyms
background (More general and more common for circumstances and context.)
|
context (Often used in more analytical or explanatory writing.)
|
setting (Often used for stories, films, or a particular situation.)
Antonyms
foreground (What is most noticeable or emphasized rather than in the background.)
Collocations
against a backdrop of uncertainty
|political backdrop
|economic backdrop
|a backdrop to change
|set against the backdrop of history
|provide a backdrop for debate
|a backdrop of violence
|a backdrop of rising prices
|amid this backdrop
|the broader backdrop
Themes
news
|writing
|society
Examples
- The policy was announced against the backdrop of rising unemployment.
- Their negotiations continued with the backdrop of a looming deadline.
- The scandal unfolded against a backdrop of public distrust.
Learner examples
- The meeting happened against the backdrop of bad news.
- The story is set against the backdrop of war.
Noun
B2
entity
2
scenery behind performers
a large background behind actors
Usage pattern:
[a backdrop] for [a play/scene]
Common mistake:
A backdrop is behind the action; it is not the 'stage' itself.
Synonyms
background (Broader term; can refer to any background, not specifically stage scenery.)
|
set (Includes props and structures, not just the rear background piece.)
Antonyms
foreground (The part of the stage or image closest to the audience or camera.)
Collocations
stage backdrop
|painted backdrop
|a backdrop for the scene
|a cityscape backdrop
|a mountain backdrop
|backdrop scenery
|change the backdrop
|hang the backdrop
|a theatrical backdrop
|a backdrop on set
Themes
arts
|theatre
|film
Examples
- The director chose a simple black backdrop to keep attention on the actors.
- A painted forest backdrop filled the back of the stage.
- They swapped the backdrop between scenes during the interval.
Learner examples
- The actors stood in front of a blue backdrop.
- The backdrop showed a city at night.
Noun
B2
entity
3
background for photos or events
a background used for taking photos
Usage pattern:
[a backdrop] for [photos/a booth/an interview]
Common mistake:
Not the same as a 'background' in a general sense; this meaning refers to a physical surface behind the subject.
Synonyms
background (More general; may not imply a prepared surface for photos.)
|
screen (Emphasizes a rigid or flat panel rather than cloth or paper.)
Antonyms
foreground (The subject or area closest to the camera rather than the surface behind it.)
Collocations
photo backdrop
|wedding backdrop
|step-and-repeat backdrop
|branded backdrop
|a white backdrop
|a neutral backdrop
|a portable backdrop
|hang a backdrop
|use a backdrop
|stand in front of the backdrop
Themes
photography
|events
|social_media
Examples
- They set up a floral backdrop for pictures at the entrance.
- The photographer used a plain gray backdrop for the portraits.
- A branded backdrop stood behind the speakers at the press conference.
Learner examples
- We took photos in front of the backdrop.
- The backdrop is white.
Grammar
Dictionary form
backdrop
IPA
GB/bˈækdɹˌɑp/
US/bˈækdɹˌɑp/
Syllables & stress
back - drop (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (back)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: backdrop
- Plural: backdrops
Word family
Forms
backdrops
noun
Related words
background
noun A2
Expressions
against the backdrop of
1/əɡˈɛnst ðə bˈækdɹˌɑp əv/
fixed phrase
with something in the background
while something else is happening in the background
Examples
- The merger was announced against the backdrop of market turbulence.
- The festival returned against the backdrop of tighter security.
- The debate took place against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis.
provide a backdrop for
1/pɹəvˈaɪd ə bˈækdɹˌɑp fɚ/
fixed phrase
serve as a background
to be the background for something
Examples
- Snowy mountains provided a dramatic backdrop for the ceremony.
- The report describes how inequality provides a backdrop for social tension.
- Soft music provided a relaxing backdrop for dinner.
serve as a backdrop to
1/sˈɚv ˈæz ə bˈækdɹˌɑp tə/
fixed phrase
be the setting for
to be the background situation for something
Examples
- High inflation served as a backdrop to the election campaign.
- Tensions in the region served as a backdrop to the talks.
- The roar of traffic served as a constant backdrop to their conversation.
set against the backdrop of
1/sˈɛt əɡˈɛnst ðə bˈækdɹˌɑp əv/
fixed phrase
placed in a particular setting
happening with a particular background or setting
Examples
- The novel is set against the backdrop of 1980s New York.
- The documentary is set against the backdrop of a changing climate.
- Their romance unfolds set against the backdrop of political unrest.
use [something] as a backdrop
1/jˈuz sˈʌmθɪŋ ˈæz ə bˈækdɹˌɑp/
fixed phrase
use as a background surface
to put something behind a person for a photo
Examples
- They used a white sheet as a backdrop for the product shots.
- We used the brick wall as a backdrop for interviews.
- She used the curtains as a simple backdrop in her videos.