Backlighted

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. The condition of being illuminated from behind in a way that enhances visibility or creates an artistic effect
2. A state where an object is highlighted by light coming from the rear, creating a contrast with foreground elements
3. The technique of shining light from the back of a subject to emphasize its form and delineate it from its background

Etymology: "Backlighted" is the past tense and past participle of "backlight," a verb built from two plain English words, "back" and "light." A backlight is a light source placed behind a subject so that the subject stands out against its surroundings, and the verb describes the act of lighting something in that way. The construction follows the familiar pattern of compounds such as "backbone" or "backdrop," where the first element names a position and the second names what is placed there. The participle is the form used when a subject has already been lit this way, as in "the backlighted figure in the doorway." Because the word is a straightforward combination of existing English elements, its meaning is transparent: the light comes from the back, and the effect is a clear outline of the form in front of it.

Synonyms: illuminated from behind