How Do You Spell UPSTAGE?

Pronunciation: [ʌpstˈe͡ɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

Upstage is a theater term used to describe the area of the stage located further away from the audience. When actors move upstage, they are moving towards the back of the stage. The spelling "upstage" is phonetically transcribed as /ʌp.steɪdʒ/, with the stressed syllable being "up" (/ʌp/). This word comes from the combination of "up" and "stage", indicating movement further back on the theater stage. The spelling of "upstage" can be confusing due to the presence of the silent letter "p", but it is an important term for those working in theater.

UPSTAGE Meaning and Definition

  1. Upstage, as a verb, refers to the act of diverting attention away from someone else by drawing attention to oneself, often by displaying superior skill or by being more deliberately dramatic or noticeable. It typically involves attempting to outdo or overshadow others in a competitive or attention-seeking manner. This term originates from the theater, where the "upstage" area refers to the part of the stage furthest from the audience. Actors who are positioned upstage tend to draw focus and attention, while those downstage may appear less prominent. Consequently, "upstaging" someone often involves deliberately stealing the limelight or shifting the focus away from others to oneself, sometimes to the detriment of the overall performance or situation.

    Furthermore, the term "upstage" is also used as an adjective, describing something that is positioned or occurring at or towards the rear of a stage. In theatrical context, it can be used to differentiate between areas of the stage, such as "upstage" and "downstage." Figuratively, "upstage" can also be used to describe a person who is emotionally distant or avoids interpersonal connections, maintaining a reserve or aloof demeanor.

    Overall, "upstage" encompasses multiple meanings related to commanding attention, dominating a performance, or creating distance. It is commonly used in the context of theater, but can also be applied figuratively to describe behaviors, actions, or situations in other domains.

Common Misspellings for UPSTAGE

Etymology of UPSTAGE

The word "upstage" comes from the world of theater and originated in the early 19th century.

In traditional theater, the stage is slanted, so the higher end is referred to as the "upstage" area. Actors who move towards the back of the stage are said to be moving "upstage".

The term "upstage" itself is derived from the two words "up" and "stage". "Up" refers to the higher area of the stage, and "stage" refers to the platform where theatrical performances occur. The combination of these words resulted in the term "upstage", which specifically describes the area behind the actor and away from the audience.

Over time, the term "upstage" has also gained a figurative meaning.

Similar spelling words for UPSTAGE

Plural form of UPSTAGE is UPSTAGES

Conjugate verb Upstage

CONDITIONAL

I would upstage
you would upstage
he/she/it would upstage
we would upstage
they would upstage

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be upstaging
you would be upstaging
he/she/it would be upstaging
we would be upstaging
they would be upstaging

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have upstage
you would have upstage
he/she/it would have upstage
we would have upstage
they would have upstage

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been upstaging
you would have been upstaging
he/she/it would have been upstaging
we would have been upstaging
they would have been upstaging

FUTURE

I will upstage
you will upstage
he/she/it will upstage
we will upstage
they will upstage

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be upstaging
you will be upstaging
he/she/it will be upstaging
we will be upstaging
they will be upstaging

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have upstaged
you will have upstaged
he/she/it will have upstaged
we will have upstaged
they will have upstaged

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been upstaging
you will have been upstaging
he/she/it will have been upstaging
we will have been upstaging
they will have been upstaging

IMPERATIVE

you upstage
we let´s upstage

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to upstage

PAST

I upstaged
you upstaged
he/she/it upstaged
we upstaged
they upstaged

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was upstaging
you were upstaging
he/she/it was upstaging
we were upstaging
they were upstaging

PAST PARTICIPLE

upstaged

PAST PERFECT

I had upstaged
you had upstaged
he/she/it had upstaged
we had upstaged
they had upstaged

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been upstaging
you had been upstaging
he/she/it had been upstaging
we had been upstaging
they had been upstaging

PRESENT

I upstage
you upstage
he/she/it upstages
we upstage
they upstage

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am upstaging
you are upstaging
he/she/it is upstaging
we are upstaging
they are upstaging

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

upstaging

PRESENT PERFECT

I have upstaged
you have upstaged
he/she/it has upstaged
we have upstaged
they have upstaged

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been upstaging
you have been upstaging
he/she/it has been upstaging
we have been upstaging
they have been upstaging
I would have upstaged
we would have upstaged
you would have upstaged
he/she/it would have upstaged
they would have upstaged

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