theatres
theatres — adjective
- theatrespositive
- more theatrescomparative
- most theatressuperlative
1. relating to a large region where military operations are being carried out or pl
relating to a large region where military operations are being carried out or planned.
The colonel issued new orders from the theatre command post near the border.
attributive: theatre command post
Supplies of fuel and medicine were sent to the theatre commander.
attributive: theatre commander
All theatre headquarters were relocated to safer positions after the attack.
The general requested additional staff for theatre operations planning.
- operational
broader term; not limited to military geography
- strategic
focuses on overall planning rather than the physical region
文法句型
theatre + noun
用法筆記
This sense is used in formal military writing and reporting. The noun 'theatre' itself functions as an adjective when placed before another noun, e.g. 'theatre command', 'theatre strategy'.
theatres — noun
- theatressingular
- theatresesplural
1. the spelling of 'theatre' used in British English; the American English spelling
the spelling of 'theatre' used in British English; the American English spelling is 'theater'.
The word 'theatre' is spelled with -re in British English and -er in American English.
spelling: -re (British) vs -er (American)
In my essay, I used the British spelling 'theatre' throughout.
The British spelling 'theatre' is the standard in Australia and Canada.
My teacher marked 'theater' as incorrect because she follows British English rules.
用法筆記
This note addresses the spelling difference only. The meaning of the word is identical in both varieties.
常見錯誤
2. a building or outdoor space where people watch plays, shows, films, or other per
a building or outdoor space where people watch plays, shows, films, or other performances.
Keiko bought tickets for the new play at the theatre on Queen Street.
preposition: at the theatre
The old theatre was rebuilt after the fire and now has more seats.
Diego took his younger sister to the theatre to watch a comedy show.
There are three theatres in town, but only one shows foreign films.
The outdoor theatre by the river fills with families on summer evenings.
- playhouse
less common; often used in the names of specific theatres
- auditorium
focuses on the seating area rather than the whole building
- cinema
specifically for showing films, not live performances
文法句型
at the theatre
go to the theatre
用法筆記
Can refer to both indoor buildings and outdoor spaces (open-air theatre). In American English, a building that shows films is usually called a 'movie theater' rather than just 'theater'.
常見錯誤
3. the art or activity of writing, producing, and performing plays and other dramat
the art or activity of writing, producing, and performing plays and other dramatic works.
Amara studied theatre at university and now works as a director.
uncountable: studied theatre
Modern theatre often explores difficult social and political questions.
Fatima writes reviews about local theatre for the city newspaper.
Participating in school theatre helped Yuki gain confidence in public speaking.
Lin prefers film over theatre because of the wider range of visual storytelling.
- drama
can refer specifically to written plays rather than the full production
- stage
metonymic; focuses on the medium of live performance
- performing arts
broader term that includes dance, opera, and music
文法句型
theatre as a subject/field
用法筆記
When used in this sense, 'theatre' is uncountable and does not take an article. It includes plays, musicals, opera, dance, and other performing arts presented on a stage.
常見錯誤
4. behaviour that is exaggerated, emotional, or intended to attract attention, ofte
behaviour that is exaggerated, emotional, or intended to attract attention, often in an insincere way.
Sofia's loud complaints were pure theatre — she was not really angry.
phrase: pure theatre
The politician's speech was full of empty theatre and offered no real solutions.
collocation: empty theatre
Tariq could see through his colleague's performance; it was just theatre for the managers.
There was no need for all that theatre — a simple apology would have been enough.
- drama
more common; can be positive or negative
- acting
implies deliberate pretence rather than natural exaggeration
- showmanship
more positive; suggests skill in entertaining an audience
- sincerity
behaviour that is genuine and not performed for others
用法筆記
Usually carries a negative or critical tone, suggesting that someone is overacting or being insincere. Common in everyday criticism of public figures, colleagues, or family members.
5. a particular area or place where important events, especially military actions o
a particular area or place where important events, especially military actions or conflicts, take place.
The Pacific theatre saw some of the most intense naval battles of the war.
collocation: [region name] + theatre
International aid agencies moved into the disaster theatre after the earthquake.
The desert became a theatre of conflict between the two rival groups.
The region remained a quiet political theatre until the election campaign began.
- arena
suggests a more competitive or confrontational setting
- battleground
specifically conflict-focused; narrower than 'theatre'
- field
broader; can be used in many non-military domains
文法句型
theatre of + noun
theatre for + noun
用法筆記
Most commonly used in military contexts ('theatre of war', 'theatre of operations'), but can be extended to any domain where significant events unfold, such as politics or disaster relief.