What is stage? Pronunciation and usage in English

stage means . Learn how to pronounce and use stage through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of stage

stagenoun

/steɪdʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of stage

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stage." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /stāj/ (rhymes with "day")

Let's break that down further:

  • "st-": This is pronounced like "st" in "stop" – a short, sharp "t" sound.
  • "-age": This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "ay" – as in "day," "say," or "play." There's no "a" sound here.

Visual Aid:

Think of it like this: "St-ay-j"

Common Mispronunciations and Why They're Wrong:

  • "stej" – This is extremely common and incorrect. It’s adding an "e" sound where it doesn't belong.
  • "stag" – This is also incorrect. It's a different word entirely (a male deer).

Resources to Hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type "stage" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/stage/ This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce stage" on YouTube and listen to different examples.

To help me further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (This can sometimes influence pronunciation habits.)

Usage and examples with the word stage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stage" in English. It’s a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown of the most common uses, categorized with examples:

1. Stage (as in a performance area):

  • Definition: A platform or area where performances, such as plays, concerts, or dance recitals, take place.
  • Examples:
    • “The actors performed on the stage of the grand theater.”
    • “The band played a fantastic set on stage.”
    • “The children built a miniature stage for their puppet show.”

2. Stage (as in a level of development or progress):

  • Definition: A point or period in a process, development, or life. Think of it like a milestone.
  • Examples:
    • “The project is currently in the planning stage.” (meaning: the planning phase)
    • “He's in the early stages of his illness.” (meaning: the beginning, initial stages)
    • “Teenage years are a crucial stage in development.”
    • "The company is moving into a new stage of growth."

3. Stage (as in to prepare or move towards a particular point – often used with verbs):

  • Definition: To bring something to a particular point or point towards a certain outcome.
  • Examples:
    • “The company is staging a major marketing campaign.” (meaning: preparing and implementing)
    • “She staged a protest against the new law.” (meaning: organized and carried out)
    • “The director staged the scene to create a dramatic effect.” (meaning: arranged or set up)

4. Stage (as in a person who is young and inexperienced):

  • Definition: Referring to a young person, particularly one starting out in a particular field or career. Often used affectionately or with a slightly pitying tone.
  • Examples:
    • “He's just a stage actor, but he’s very promising.” (meaning: a beginner actor)
    • "Don't be so judgmental, she's still a stage musician." (meaning: a young, developing musician)

5. Stage (as in to postpone or delay):

  • Definition: To postpone or delay something, often something important or expected.
  • Examples:
    • “The committee staged the vote until next week.” (meaning: postponed)
    • “The government staged the announcement to avoid a public outcry.” (meaning: delayed)

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Definition Example
Performance Area Platform for shows “The play was performed on the stage.”
Development Level of progress “The project is in the initial stage.”
To Prepare To bring to a point “They are staging the event.”
Young Person Inexperienced someone “He's a young stage actor.”
To Postpone To delay “The meeting was staged.”

Tips for Understanding Context:

  • Pay attention to the surrounding words: The words around “stage” will usually give you clues about what it means.
  • Consider the verb used with it: If “stage” is followed by a verb like “prepare,” “delay,” or “develop,” you’ll know it’s referring to a process. If it’s followed by a noun like “performance” or “theater,” it’s referring to a place.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use the word "stage" in? (e.g., a sentence, a writing assignment, a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word stage

Idioms of the word stage

set the stage for something
to make it possible for something to happen; to make something likely to happen
  • Family problems in childhood can set the stage for stress in adult life.
  • The thrilling semi-finals set the stage for what should be a great game.

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