backdrop

The situation or conditions surrounding an event that help explain what happens.

• The war provided the backdrop to their childhood.
• Talks continued against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.
• What was the political backdrop to these events?

How to use it: against a backdrop of something (The talks began against a backdrop of growing tension.); backdrop to something (The recession formed the backdrop to the election.)

Similar words: background, context, setting

Common phrases: against a backdrop, political backdrop, backdrop to something

A large decorated cloth hanging at the back of a stage to show the setting.

• The backdrop showed a forest.
• They hung a blue backdrop behind the actors.
• We painted three backdrops for the school play.

Similar words: backcloth

Common phrases: painted backdrop, stage backdrop, hang a backdrop

To form the background behind something.

• Green hills backdrop the village.
• A red sunset backdropped the city skyline.
• Tall trees backdropping the house hid the road.

How to use it: backdrop something (Snowy mountains backdrop the little town.)

Similar words: form a background to

Common phrases: backdrop the skyline, backdrop the scene, backdrop the city