backstage
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈbækˌsteɪdʒ/
KK: /ˈbækˌsteɪdʒ/
adjective
Definition
Related to the area behind the stage in a theater, where the audience cannot see, often used for private activities or operations.
Example
The actors prepared their costumes backstage before the show started.
Conversation
Did you see the backstage area during the show?
Yeah, it looked really organized and exciting!
I wish I could go backstage and see how everything is set up.
That would be awesome! I hear it’s quite different from the audience view.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hidden
private
secret
Antonyms
public
open
exposed
adverb
Definition
In or toward the area behind the stage in a theater, where actors prepare and change costumes.
Example
The actors waited backstage before their performance began.
Conversation
Did you see the show last night?
Yeah, it was amazing! I wish I could have gone backstage.
I heard it was really exciting back there!
Root Explanation
Backstage → It is formed from "back" (from Old English "bæc", meaning the rear or behind) and "stage" (from Old French "estage", meaning a platform or stage for performances). The word "backstage" refers to the area behind the stage in a theater, away from the audience, where performers prepare and wait.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'back' as the area behind and the 'stage' as the platform for performances — that's why backstage refers to the area behind the performance stage.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.