sottofondo

Sottofondo is an Italian noun meaning "background" and is used to describe elements that accompany a scene or work without becoming the main focus. In everyday usage it most often refers to the auditory layer that underpins foreground content.

In music and audio production, sottofondo denotes background music, ambient sounds, or a soundscape. It is designed to set mood, provide continuity, and convey a sense of space, while remaining unobtrusive relative to the main melody, dialogue, or action. In film, television, and multimedia, it describes the non-prominent audio layer that supports scenes, such as soft music, crowd noise, or environmental ambience.

Figuratively, sottofondo can refer to underlying themes or contextual cues in language, literature, or conversation, such as an undertone of irony or melancholy that accompanies the main message. The term is often contrasted with colonna sonora, which denotes the complete musical score or soundtrack, whereas sottofondo focuses on the subordinate layer.

Etymology: from sotto meaning "under" + fondo meaning "base" or "bottom," literally "under-base." In contemporary Italian usage, it denotes both audio and non-audio background layers.