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Upstage: meaning, definitions and examples

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upstage

 

[ʌpˈsteɪdʒ ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'upstage' originates from the theater, where the back of the stage is higher than the front, making it more difficult for actors in the front to be seen.
  • It has been used since the late 19th century, evolving from literal positioning on stage to a figurative sense of stealing attention.

Theater

  • In theater, an actor who stands upstage can block others from view, hence the term for overshadowing.
  • The opposite term, 'downstage', refers to the area close to the audience, emphasizing where the action is most visible.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase is often used in reality TV and celebrity culture, where individuals may purposely 'upstage' others to gain more screen time.
  • Famous movie moments often involve characters upstaging one another, creating humorous or dramatic tension.

Psychology

  • People may upstage others due to insecurity, seeking validation or approval by drawing attention to themselves.
  • This behavior can lead to conflicts in social or workplace settings when one person's need for recognition eclipses others.

Literature

  • In literary analysis, characters that consistently upstage others often serve as a foil to highlight traits and motivations of the main character.
  • Classic literature uses the concept of upstaging to explore themes of jealousy, ambition, and rivalry, adding depth to character interactions.

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

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.