theatre
/ˈθɪətə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈθiːətər/ (ame, ipa)
theatre — noun
- theatresingular
- theatresplural
1. a building or outdoor space with raised seating where audiences go to watch live
a building or outdoor space with raised seating where audiences go to watch live performances such as plays, musicals, or films
Ada and her family went to the theatre last Saturday to watch a musical.
go to the theatre — attend a live performance
The old theatre on King Street was renovated and now hosts plays every weekend.
Vivek bought three tickets for the new comedy at the Royal Theatre.
When it rains, the outdoor theatre in the park moves its performances indoors.
The theatre was completely full, with people even standing along the back wall.
文法句型
theatre + noun (e.g. theatre tickets, theatre company)
用法筆記
In British English, 'theatre' can refer to both live performance venues and cinemas, though 'cinema' is more common for film screenings. The phrase 'go to the theatre' almost always means watching a live stage performance.
常見錯誤
2. a room inside a hospital that is specially designed for doctors to perform surge
a room inside a hospital that is specially designed for doctors to perform surgery
The surgeon spent nearly five hours in the operating theatre performing a heart transplant.
operating theatre — hospital room for surgery
Nurse Élise prepared the theatre quickly when the emergency case arrived at midnight.
Only authorised medical staff are permitted inside the operating theatre during a procedure.
Dr Adisa washed his hands thoroughly before entering the theatre for the morning surgery.
- operating room
the American English equivalent, often abbreviated as OR
文法句型
operating theatre
in theatre
用法筆記
Usually occurs as 'operating theatre' or simply 'theatre' within a hospital context. In American English, 'operating room' (OR) is the standard term.
常見錯誤
3. the art, writing, and performance of plays and other dramatic works, considered
the art, writing, and performance of plays and other dramatic works, considered as a form of entertainment, a profession, or an academic subject
Min has studied theatre at university for three years and hopes to become a director.
study theatre — academic discipline
Modern British theatre often explores social issues through experimental plays.
Adisa's love of theatre began when he saw a Shakespeare play in primary school.
The city has a lively theatre scene, with dozens of small groups performing every week.
After graduation, Eli joined a local theatre group that performs at community centres.
- drama
more specific to acting and playwriting, often as a school subject
- performing arts
a broader category that includes theatre, dance, and music
文法句型
theatre as a subject/field
in theatre
用法筆記
This sense is uncountable and refers to the art form or profession, not to a physical building. It is commonly used in phrases like 'a career in theatre' or 'theatre studies'.
常見錯誤
4. behaviour that is exaggerated or not sincere, done mainly to attract attention o
behaviour that is exaggerated or not sincere, done mainly to attract attention or create a strong impression rather than to express genuine emotion
Eli burst into tears over the small criticism, but everyone knew it was pure theatre.
pure theatre — exaggerated, insincere behaviour
His speech about leaving the company was all theatre — he had no plan to resign.
all theatre — completely insincere
There was no need for all that theatre; a short explanation would have been enough.
Min made a loud display of pure theatre that embarrassed everyone at the table.
- drama
similar meaning of exaggerated behaviour but can be neutral or positive
- showmanship
theatrical flair, often positive or admiring
- sincerity
genuine, honest behaviour without pretence
文法句型
pure theatre
all theatre
用法筆記
This sense is uncountable and usually carries a critical or dismissive tone. It describes behaviour the speaker considers fake or overly dramatic for effect. Common in informal British English.
常見錯誤
5. a large region or area where military forces are engaged in active fighting duri
a large region or area where military forces are engaged in active fighting during a war or conflict
Soldiers were sent to the Pacific theatre of operations during the Second World War.
theatre of operations — military area of conflict
The general was given command of all ground forces in the European theatre.
Supplies and reinforcements were slowly moved towards the main theatre of war.
The conflict soon spread beyond the original theatre, drawing neighbouring countries into the fighting.
- war zone
a more general term for an area affected by war
- battlefield
a smaller, more specific location where fighting occurs
文法句型
theatre of war
theatre of operations
用法筆記
Often appears in formal or historical writing about war, especially in fixed phrases like 'theatre of war' and 'theatre of operations'. In American English, the spelling is 'theater'.