Word
backstage
Phoneticsback·stage, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbækˈsteɪdʒ/
UK/bˈæksteɪdʒ/
Adverb of place
Definitions
01behind the stage
B1 · Intermediate Theater
adv. in or towards the area behind the stage where the audience cannot see you.
adv. situated or moving in the area behind the stage, typically including dressing rooms and wings.
“The actors went backstage to change their clothes for the next scene.”
“After the final curtain call, the lead performers retreated backstage to escape the crowd of photographers waiting at the stage door.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02relating to the area behind the stage
B1 · Intermediate Theater
adj. describing things that happen or are located behind the stage.
adj. relating to or situated in the area behind a stage; often used to describe staff or equipment.
“She has a backstage pass that lets her meet the band after the concert.”
“The backstage crew worked in near-total darkness to reposition the heavy scenery before the lights came up for the second act.”
Synonyms
03the area behind the stage
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Theater
n. the part of a theatre that the audience does not see.
n. the area behind the stage of a theatre, including the dressing rooms and technical areas.
“It was very crowded backstage with all the dancers and musicians.”
“The atmosphere backstage was a chaotic mix of nervous energy and technical precision as the stage manager coordinated the final cues.”
Synonyms
04private or secret
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. happening in private, away from the public or the media.
adj. occurring away from public view or scrutiny; often used to describe political or business negotiations.
“The two leaders made a backstage deal before the official meeting started.”
“While the public debate was civil, backstage negotiations were reportedly fraught with tension and mutual distrust between the two factions.”
Etymology
From back + stage.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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