Difference Wiki

Background vs. Wallpaper: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 17, 2023
Correct spelling: Background - a setting or situation. Wallpaper - paper for covering and decorating walls.

Key Differences

Background generally refers to a setting or situation, while wallpaper is a decorative covering for walls.
"Wall" in wallpaper gives a clue to its use - for walls.
Background can be metaphorical (like a person's history), but wallpaper is tangible.
Think of papering a wall for "wallpaper."
Background can be anything behind the main subject; wallpaper is specifically for walls.
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Background and Wallpaper Definitions

Background

Background is an incorrect spelling of Wallpaper.

Wallpaper

A thick paper with patterns for wall decoration.
The vintage wallpaper gave the room a nostalgic feel.

Wallpaper

Material used to cover and decorate interior walls.
She chose a floral wallpaper for the bedroom.

Wallpaper

An outer layer on a wall for aesthetics.
The bright wallpaper brightened up the entire space.

Wallpaper

Patterned paper covering used in homes.
She decided to put up a new wallpaper in the nursery.
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Wallpaper

A digital image used as a decorative background on a screen.
I changed my phone's wallpaper to a beach scene.

Wallpaper

Paper often colored and printed with designs and pasted to a wall as a decorative covering.

Wallpaper

A picture or design displayed on the background of a computer screen or cellphone.

Wallpaper

To cover with wallpaper.

Wallpaper

To decorate a wall or room with wallpaper.

Wallpaper

(uncountable) Decorative paper-like material used to cover the inner walls of buildings.

Wallpaper

(countable) A roll of such paper.

Wallpaper

(countable) A style or design of such material.
He is letting her select the wallpapers for the whole house.

Wallpaper

Anything that serves as a background or part of the surroundings.

Wallpaper

An image or tiled pattern used as the background of a computer desktop.

Wallpaper

Generic footage of a building or location that may be used in the background of a related news report.

Wallpaper

Gaudy mass-produced stamps, typically of little or no value and only produced for sale to collectors.

Wallpaper

A radio operator's collection of awards and QSL cards.

Wallpaper

(transitive) To cover (a wall, a room, etc) with wallpaper.

Wallpaper

A decorative paper for the walls of rooms

Wallpaper

Cover with wallpaper

FAQs

What is the root word of Wallpaper?

The compound word consists of "wall" and "paper."

What is the pronunciation of Wallpaper?

Wallpaper is pronounced as wɔːlˈpeɪpər.

Is Wallpaper an adverb?

No, "Wallpaper" is not an adverb.

Why is it called Wallpaper?

It's called "wallpaper" because it's paper or material used to cover or "paper" walls.

Which vowel is used before Wallpaper?

The letter "a" is the vowel in "Wallpaper."

What is the plural form of Wallpaper?

Wallpapers.

Which conjunction is used with Wallpaper?

Varies with context; e.g., "and," "but," "or."

What is the verb form of Wallpaper?

Wallpapering.

Which preposition is used with Wallpaper?

"On" as in "wallpaper on the wall."

What is the singular form of Wallpaper?

"Wallpaper" is already in its singular form.

Is Wallpaper a noun or adjective?

"Wallpaper" is primarily a noun.

Is Wallpaper a countable noun?

Yes, e.g., "various wallpapers."

What is the opposite of Wallpaper?

There isn't a direct opposite, but in relation to digital screens, it could be a blank or plain screen.

Which determiner is used with Wallpaper?

It varies; e.g., "this," "that," "my."

Is Wallpaper a negative or positive word?

Neutral; it describes a type of covering.

Is Wallpaper a vowel or consonant?

The word "wallpaper" starts with a consonant.

Is the word Wallpaper imperative?

No, but it can be used in imperative sentences like, "Wallpaper this room!"

How many syllables are in Wallpaper?

Three syllables.

Which article is used with Wallpaper?

"A" or "the" can be used, e.g., "a wallpaper" or "the wallpaper in the room."

Is Wallpaper an abstract noun?

No, it refers to a tangible material or digital image.

What part of speech is Wallpaper?

"Wallpaper" is a noun.

What is the first form of Wallpaper?

As a verb, "wallpaper."

How is Wallpaper used in a sentence?

She decided to wallpaper the dining room with a vibrant pattern.

Is the Wallpaper term a metaphor?

In the context of a digital image for a screen, it can be seen as metaphorical.

Is Wallpaper a collective noun?

No.

How do we divide Wallpaper into syllables?

Wall-pa-per.

What is a stressed syllable in Wallpaper?

The first syllable "Wall" is stressed.

What is another term for Wallpaper?

Wallcovering.

What is the second form of Wallpaper?

Wallpapered.

What is the third form of Wallpaper?

Wallpapered.
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie Carlson
Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.

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