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Upstage: meaning, definitions and examples

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upstage

 

[ ʌpˈsteɪdʒ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

theatrical performance

To upstage someone means to divert attention away from them to oneself, often in a way that is perceived as selfish or ungracious. This verb is frequently used in theatrical contexts where an actor's actions draw the spotlight away from another performer. It can also apply in everyday situations where one person tries to overshadow another in discussions or social interactions.

Synonyms

detract, outshine, overshadow

Examples of usage

  • She tends to upstage her colleagues during meetings.
  • He upstaged the main actor with his stunning performance.
  • It's rude to upstage someone on their special day.
Context #2 | Noun

theatrical setting

In theater, the upstage refers to the part of the stage that is farthest from the audience. It is a technical term that indicates a position. Actors may be encouraged to move upstage to change the dynamics of a scene or to help create a particular focal point.

Synonyms

back stage

Examples of usage

  • He stepped upstage to give his co-star the spotlight.
  • The set design was primarily focused on the upstage area.
  • She stood upstage while delivering her monologue.

Translations

Translations of the word "upstage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fazer sombra

🇮🇳 उपरी मंच

🇩🇪 überstrahlen

🇮🇩 mengalahkan

🇺🇦 затінювати

🇵🇱 przyćmić

🇯🇵 目立たせる

🇫🇷 éclipser

🇪🇸 opacar

🇹🇷 gölgeleme

🇰🇷 가리다

🇸🇦 إخفاء

🇨🇿 přehlušit

🇸🇰 preraziť

🇨🇳 遮掩

🇸🇮 zasenčiti

🇮🇸 skugga

🇰🇿 көлгірлеу

🇬🇪 დაფარება

🇦🇿 kölgələmək

🇲🇽 opacar

Etymology

The term 'upstage' originated in the world of theater in the early 20th century, deriving from the layout of traditional proscenium stages. The stage was typically elevated at the back, so when standing at the back, an actor was 'upstage' relative to those at the front. The term quickly evolved to signify not just a physical location on stage but also a type of behavior where one performer overshadowed another by taking more attention. This notion of drawing attention has since permeated everyday language, illustrating how the dynamics of social interactions can reflect performance art. The evolution of the term signifies the blending of theatricality with daily life, showing the lasting impact of theater on language.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,287 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.