stage

stage¹ W1S1 [steıdʒ] n

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1¦(time/state)¦

2¦(part of process)¦

3¦(theatre)¦

4¦(acting)¦

5 centre stage

6¦(place)¦

7 set the stage for something

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

1.) ¦(TIME/STATE)¦

a particular time or state that something reaches as it grows or develops

→↑phase, step ↑step 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)¦

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)¦

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

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 sth

to prepare for something or make something possible

▪ Will this agreement merely set the stage for another war?

→↑landing stage

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COLLOCATES for sense 1

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

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stage ²

stage² v [T]

1.) to organize a public event

stage a strike/demonstration/sit-in etc

▪ Activists staged a protest outside the parliament.

▪ exhibitions staged in Paris

▪ The candidates' public appearances were carefully staged (=not natural) .

2.) stage a comeback/recovery etc

to start doing something again or being successful, after you had stopped or not been successful for some time

▪ He staged an amazing comeback.