offstage

/ˌɒfˈsteɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɑːfˈsteɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈȯf-ˈstāj -ˌstāj/ (ame, mw) · /ˌɔːfˈsteɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa)

offstage — adverb

1. in a hidden area beside the stage rather than in the part the audience can watch

1.副詞C1
釋義

in a hidden area beside the stage rather than in the part the audience can watch.

例句

A helper whispered offstage while the nervous child searched for her line.

adverb of place: whispered offstage

From offstage, Talia called the cue that started the storm sound.

pattern: from offstage

同義詞
反義詞
  • onstage

    in the part of the stage the audience can see.

  • in view

    broader; not limited to theatre.

文法句型

wait/play/speak + offstage

from + offstage

用法筆記

This sense is about physical position near a theatre stage. Distinguish from adverb sense 2, which describes performers in ordinary life rather than where they are standing.

常見錯誤

❌The violin played backstage during the scene.
✅The violin played offstage during the scene.
💡use 'offstage' when the sound comes from a hidden place the audience cannot see; 'backstage' more often names the working area behind the curtain.
❌The actor shouted from the offstage.
✅The actor shouted from offstage.
💡do not add 'the' before this adverb.

2. used about performers in everyday life rather than during the act they present t

2.副詞C1
釋義

used about performers in everyday life rather than during the act they present to an audience.

例句

Offstage, Sari speaks softly and avoids the jokes she tells in character.

sentence-initial contrast with performance life

The singer seems bold on television but stays quiet offstage after concerts.

seem + adjective + offstage

同義詞
反義詞
  • onstage

    while performing before an audience.

  • in character

    narrower; stresses staying inside a role.

文法句型

Offstage, + performer + clause

be/sound/seem + adjective + offstage

用法筆記

Usually contrasts a performer's public image with everyday behaviour. Distinguish from adverb sense 3, which can describe any private action, not only the personal life of actors or musicians.

常見錯誤

❌Offstage, the lamp looked old and dusty.
✅Onstage, the lamp looked old and dusty.
💡this sense is for performers and their behaviour, not for props.
❌The actor is nervous in private, but confident privately.
✅The actor is nervous offstage, but confident onstage.
💡use 'offstage' when the contrast is specifically between performance and ordinary life.

3. away from public attention, especially in private talks or hidden planning.

3.副詞C1
釋義

away from public attention, especially in private talks or hidden planning.

例句

The board settled the pay dispute offstage before the cameras returned.

public issue handled away from view

Most of the repair work happened offstage while visitors toured the garden.

同義詞
反義詞
  • publicly

    openly in front of other people.

  • onstage

    visible in the main public setting.

文法句型

happen/negotiate/settle + offstage

meet/work + offstage

用法筆記

Often appears in reporting about politics, business, and public events when an important action happens away from the visible main event. It keeps the theatre flavor more strongly than 'privately'.

常見錯誤

❌The mayor announced the plan offstage to the whole crowd.
✅The mayor announced the plan onstage to the whole crowd.
💡if the public can see the action directly, 'offstage' is wrong.
❌The manager solved the issue secret.
✅The manager solved the issue offstage.
💡use the adverb itself, not a bare adjective.

offstage — adjective