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backdrop — a painted cloth hung at the back of a theatre stage as part of the scenery

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a painted cloth hung at the back of a theatre stage as part of the scenery

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbækdrɑːp/

Example Sentences

  • The meeting took place against the backdrop of rising coffee prices and sleepy employees.
  • The company announced its new product against the backdrop of fierce market competition.
  • The wedding photos looked amazing with the ocean as a natural backdrop.

backdrop

NOUN

[/ˈbækdrɑːp/]

a painted cloth hung at the back of a theatre stage as part of the scenery

two stage crew members carefully unfold and hang a large painted cloth showing a forest scene. They stretch the fabric across the back wall of the stage while actors practice their lines in front. The painted cloth transforms the empty stage into a magical woodland setting. As the backdrop is positioned, the entire theater space comes alive with the story's atmosphere. Other crew members adjust lighting to complement the scenic cloth.  a painted cloth hung at the back of a theatre stage as part of the scenery
💡 Concept

two stage crew members carefully unfold and hang a large painted cloth showing a forest scene. They stretch the fabric across the back wall of the stage while actors practice their lines in front. The painted cloth transforms the empty stage into a magical woodland setting. As the backdrop is positioned, the entire theater space comes alive with the story's atmosphere. Other crew members adjust lighting to complement the scenic cloth. a painted cloth hung at the back of a theatre stage as part of the scenery

Behind the backdrop, raindrops fall as teardrops call!
🎵 Rhyme

Behind the backdrop, raindrops fall as teardrops call!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈbækdrɑːp/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈbækdrɒp/

🌳Etymology

Rootback + drop

Origin

First documented in 1913, backdrop originated in theatrical terminology, combining back (rear) and drop (a suspended cloth). Initially referring to the painted canvas hung at the back of a stage, the term gradually expanded to denote any background or setting in general usage.

Breakdown

back (rear, back part) + drop (suspended cloth, curtain). The compound combines the spatial term 'back' with 'drop', a theater term for a suspended painted canvas used as scenery.

🎵Rhyme

raindrop
teardrop
desktop

🔗Collocations

against the backdrop of
political backdrop
scenic backdrop
economic backdrop
historical backdrop
serve as a backdrop

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The meeting took place against the backdrop of rising coffee prices and sleepy employees.”

“The company announced its new product against the backdrop of fierce market competition.”

“The wedding photos looked amazing with the ocean as a natural backdrop.”

😄 Fun example

“His presentation about world peace had a backdrop of cartoon characters, which was quite confusing.”

📚Related Words

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