backgrounds
The job requires candidates with backgrounds in engineering and project management.
The job requires candidates who have past experiences or education in engineering and project management.
The past experiences, knowledge, or history that someone has, especially relating to their career or education.
Applicants with backgrounds in digital marketing will be prioritized.
Applicants who have experience or education in digital marketing will be given preference.
Often used in job descriptions, resumes, or educational contexts to describe someone's qualifications.
The circumstances or setting that form the background of an event, situation, or story.
The novel explores the cultural backgrounds of its characters to explain their actions.
The novel examines the cultural settings and histories of its characters to provide context for their behaviors.
Can refer to social, cultural, or historical contexts that influence a narrative or situation.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Plural vs. Singular
Use 'backgrounds' (plural) when referring to multiple people's experiences (e.g., 'diverse backgrounds'). Use 'background' (singular) when referring to a single person's history or the general context of a situation.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'backgrounds' depends heavily on context. In professional settings, it typically refers to work or educational history. In social or cultural discussions, it may refer to heritage or upbringing.
Word Origin
From 'background' (17th century), originally a term from painting meaning the part of a scene furthest from the viewer. Later extended metaphorically to refer to the underlying or supporting context of any situation.
Usage Notes
Plural 'backgrounds' is commonly used when referring to multiple people's experiences or histories, especially in professional or academic contexts. Avoid using it to describe physical backgrounds (e.g., 'the backgrounds of the painting') unless referring to multiple scenes.