Backdrop
/ˈbækˌdrɒp/
nounBeginner📊CommonSetting
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
A setting or background, especially one that is visually prominent.
/ˈbækˌdrɒp/
nounneutralBeginner
Setting
Background setting or context
The city skyline provided a dramatic backdrop to the wedding.
💡 Simply: The background of a scene or event.
More Examples
2
The war served as a backdrop to their love story.
How It's Used
Theater
"The actors performed against a dark backdrop."
Photography
"The photographer chose a mountain range as the backdrop for the portrait."
From back + drop. Originally referring to a painted cloth hung at the back of a stage, its meaning expanded to encompass any background or context.
Initially used specifically in theatrical contexts, the word 'backdrop' broadened its meaning over time to encompass any background or context.
Memory tip
Think of a painted cloth 'dropping' behind a stage.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"back + drop (a cloth or curtain)"
Base: back
dramatic backdropstunning backdropperfect backdrop
Common misspellings
back dropbakdrop
Practice
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written