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Upstage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽญ
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upstage

[สŒpหˆsteษชdส’ ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'upstage'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.