Definition

A brief, often humorous performance that takes place after a main play.

Example

The theatergoers enjoyed the afterpiece, which provided a humorous conclusion to the evening's performance.

Conversation

Did you enjoy the theater performance last night?

Yeah, it was great! I especially loved the afterpiece.

I didn't expect it to be so funny!

Right? It was the perfect way to end the evening.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Afterpiece → The word is formed from "after" (from Old English "æfter", meaning following in time or place) and "piece" (from Old French "piece", meaning a part or portion). An afterpiece refers to a performance or play that follows the main event, thus literally meaning a piece that comes after.

Memory Tip

Think of something that comes 'after' ('after') the main event, and a 'piece' ('piece') that is a part of it — that's what an afterpiece is.

Visually Confused Words