Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Topic: THEATRE

Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: estage, from Vulgar Latin staticum, from Latin stare 'to stand'

stage

1 noun
     
stage1 S1 W1
1

time/state

[countable] a particular time or state that something reaches as it grows or develops [↪ phase, step]COLLOCATIONS COLLOCATIONS
the early/initial stages (of something) the later/final stages (of something) the halfway stage (of something) critical/crucial/important stage (of/in something) new stage (of/in something) reach/get to a stage go through a stage (of something) mark a stage (in something) go/take something/carry something a stage further at one stage (=at a time in the past) at some stage/at a later stage (=at a time in the future) at this stage (=now) at this late stage
stage of/in
the early stages of a child's development
during the later stages of the war
They've just reached the halfway stage of the project.
It's a good move at this stage in his career.
at a crucial stage in the race
We're getting to the stage where we hardly ever go out together.
All children go through an awkward stage at some time.
This treaty marks an important stage in our two countries' relationship.
Let us take the discussion a stage further.
At one stage, it seemed like she was ready to agree.
We can't change the design at this late stage.
2

part of process

[countable] one of the parts which something such as a competition or process is divided into
stage of
The team reached the semi-final stage of the competition.
stage 2/6 etc
We're now reaching the end of stage 3 of the construction.
The next stage is to complete an application form.
in stages
The rest of the money will be paid in stages (=a small amount at a time).
3

theatre

[countable]APT the raised area in a theatre which actors or singers stand on when they perform [↪ backstage]
on stage
She is on stage for most of the play.
She appeared on stage with George Michael.
4

acting

the stage

APT acting as a profession, especially in theatres:
I wanted to go on the stage (=become an actor).
stars of stage and screen (=theatre and cinema)
5

centre stage

if someone or something is centre stage, it has everyone's attention, or is very important:
Anne's sculpture took centre stage at the show.
The UN has moved to the centre stage of world politics.
6

place

[singular] a place or area of activity where something important happens
on the world/international/political etc stage
He's an experienced campaigner on the world stage.
important figures on the European political stage
stage for
Geneva has been the stage for many such conferences.
7

set the stage for something

to prepare for something or make something possible:
Will this agreement merely set the stage for another war?
Definition of stage from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English within
the topic THEATRE
Word of the Day
The THEATRE
Word of the Day is:
backstage

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