Pronunciation: /ʌpˈsteɪdʒ/

Definitions of upstage

noun a part of a stage that is farthest from the audience

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a play where the upstage area was used for a dramatic reveal.

A2 The actors on stage moved to the upstage position to create depth in the scene.

B1 The director instructed the actors to enter from upstage to add suspense to the scene.

B2 The upstage lighting was too bright, causing the actors to be overshadowed.

C1 The upstage set design was minimalist yet effective in conveying the mood of the play.

C2 The upstage backdrop was a stunning visual that enhanced the overall production.

verb to draw attention away from someone or something else on stage

Example Sentences

A1 The little girl tried to upstage her older sister during the school play.

A2 He always tries to upstage his colleagues with his flashy clothes and expensive accessories.

B1 The lead actor's performance managed to upstage the rest of the cast.

B2 She was determined to upstage the competition and win the top prize.

C1 The politician's speech was carefully crafted to upstage his opponent and gain more support.

C2 The singer's powerful vocals and stage presence easily upstaged the other performers at the concert.

adjective relating to or characteristic of the area of a stage that is farthest from the audience

Example Sentences

A1 The upstage actor stole the show with her powerful performance.

A2 The upstage lighting made it difficult to see the actors on stage.

B1 The upstage entrance was grand and impressive, setting the tone for the rest of the play.

B2 The upstage set design created a stunning backdrop for the actors to perform against.

C1 The upstage direction of the scene added depth and complexity to the overall production.

C2 The upstage blocking and choreography were meticulously planned and executed, enhancing the audience's experience.

adverb in a manner that draws attention away from someone or something else on stage

Example Sentences

A1 She stood upstage during the school play.

A2 The actor upstaged his co-star with his powerful performance.

B1 The new singer tried to upstage the headliner at the concert.

B2 The politician's speech upstaged all the other candidates at the debate.

C1 Her natural talent for singing consistently upstages her competitors.

C2 The artist's unique style always manages to upstage other contemporary painters.

Examples of upstage in a Sentence

formal The actor tried to upstage his co-star by delivering a more powerful performance.

informal She always tries to upstage everyone else at the party.

slang He's constantly trying to upstage his friends with his new car.

figurative Her bright personality always manages to upstage any negative situation.

Grammatical Forms of upstage

past tense

upstaged

plural

upstages

comparative

more upstage

superlative

most upstage

present tense

upstages

future tense

will upstage

perfect tense

has upstaged

continuous tense

is upstaging

singular

upstage

positive degree

upstage

infinitive

to upstage

gerund

upstaging

participle

upstaging

Origin and Evolution of upstage

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'upstage' originated in the world of theater, specifically in reference to the area of the stage that is farthest from the audience.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'upstage' evolved from its literal meaning of the area farthest from the audience to also denote a behavior or action that draws attention away from someone else, often in a competitive or attention-seeking manner.