centerstage

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In the middle of a stage, where the audience can see you best.

   Grammar: Used without an object, often after a verb like 'stand' or 'move'.

   Patterns

   • stand centerstage
   • move centerstage

   The singer walked centerstage and began the song.

   She stood centerstage, lit by a single spotlight.

   The director asked him to move centerstage for the final scene.

2. 2noununcountablefigurative

   The middle area of a stage; also used figuratively for the center of public attention.

   Grammar: No plural; often used with 'take' or 'in the'.

   Patterns

   • take centerstage
   • in the centerstage

   The issue of climate change took centerstage at the meeting.

   Her new film put her in the centerstage of Hollywood.

   The debate moved to centerstage of national politics.

Common combinations

take centerstage

The economy took centerstage during the election campaign.

move centerstage

The actor moved centerstage to deliver his lines.

be in the centerstage

She found herself in the centerstage of the controversy.

centerstage spotlight

The centerstage spotlight highlighted the dancer.

Synonyms and how they differ

spotlight

Focuses on the light itself or the state of being illuminated; 'centerstage' is more about the position.

limelight

Means public attention; 'centerstage' can also mean the physical stage position.

Opposites

Word family

center noun

The middle point or part of something.

stage noun

A raised platform where actors perform.

Commonly confused: centerstage or centerfold?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “centerstage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words