onstage
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɒnˌsteɪdʒ/
KK: /ˈɑnˌsteɪdʒ/
adjective
Definition
Located or happening in the part of a stage that the audience can see.
Example
The actor felt nervous while performing onstage in front of a large crowd.
Conversation
Did you see the performance last night?
Yes! The actors were amazing onstage.
I know, right? Their chemistry really stood out.
Absolutely, it made the whole show so much more enjoyable.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
visible
performing
exposed
Antonyms
offstage
hidden
unseen
adverb
Definition
In or into the part of a stage that the audience can see.
Example
The actor performed beautifully onstage during the play.
Conversation
Did you see the play last night?
Yes, the actors were fantastic, especially when they were onstage.
I agree! It really felt like they belonged onstage the whole time.
Root Explanation
Onstage → It is formed from "on" (meaning in a position of) and "stage" (from Old French *estage*, meaning a platform or stage for performances). The word "onstage" refers to being in a position on the performance platform.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'in a position of' ('on') a 'platform for performances' ('stage') — that's what it means to be onstage.
Visually Confused Words
downstage
postage
pontage
nestage
montage
hostage
stage
osage