upstage — ozdic

Definitions

noun

1

The part of a stage that is farthest from the audience or camera.

adv

1

Toward or at the rear of a theatrical stage.

The actor turned and walked upstage.

2

Away from the audience or camera.

adj

1

At the rear of a stage.

The minimalist play used no upstage scenery.

2

Haughty, aloof.

If she hasn't time for this or that, if she refuses to make or keep appointments, if her face does not greet all comers with a sweet and charming smile, then the word is passed around that ‘So-and-So is getting high-hat and up-stage.’

Collocations

3

ADJ.

turned, used

VERB + UPSTAGE

allow, dress, play, walked

UPSTAGE + NOUN

everyone, scenery

Thesaurus

Synonyms

adjective — remote in manner

Antonyms

downstage

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

6

01

The actor turned and walked upstage.

Wiktionary

02

The minimalist play used no upstage scenery.

Wiktionary

03

If she hasn't time for this or that, if she refuses to make or keep appointments, if her face does not greet all comers with a sweet and charming smile, then the word is passed around that ‘So-and-So

Wiktionary

04

She only wore that dress to upstage everyone.

Wiktionary

05

Although constantly upstaged by Miss Moore's vocal flings, Cary Grant brought the appropriate note of light comedy to his role.

Wiktionary

06

Ronald Reagan’s peace plan for Nicaragua, which would have worked to his domestic political advantage even if it had failed, is upstaged by a surprise initiative by five Central American countries.

Wiktionary

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, upstage is marked as figuratively, obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.