Stagecoach and Stage Fright Share One Idea
A stage is a raised platform, or a step in a process. Both senses come from a word meaning a standing place.
A stage is a raised platform for performing, and also a step in a process or journey. Both come from Old French *estage*, a standing place or storey, from Latin *stare*, to stand. A *stagecoach* stopped at fixed standing places along a route, which is why a leg of a journey is a stage — and a rocket's stages follow the same logic. *Stage fright* is recorded from the 1870s, and *stage whisper* means one loud enough for everyone to hear.
- A performance platform. *On stage.*
- A step in a process. *The final stage.*
- A leg of a journey. *A stagecoach.*
- A rocket section. *A three-stage rocket.*
- Latin — *stare*, to stand. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | stage | The stage. |
| Plural | stages | Stages. |
| Verb | stage | Stage a play. |
| Compound | stagecoach | A stagecoach. |
| Latin | stare | To stand. |
- She walked onto the stage.Theatre.
- The illness reached its final stage.Process.
- A stagecoach changed horses at each stage.Travel.
Stage phrases
- Stage fright — nerves before performing, from the 1870s
- Stage whisper — a whisper meant to be overheard
- Set the stage — prepare the conditions
- Upstage — to draw attention away from another performer
- Stage-managed — carefully controlled to create an impression
Old French *estage*, a storey or standing place, from Vulgar Latin *staticum*, from Latin *stare*, to stand.
Why is part of a journey called a stage?
From stagecoaches, which stopped at fixed standing places along a route. Each leg between stops was a stage.
What does upstage mean?
Originally to move to the back of a raked stage, forcing others to turn away from the audience. Now it means stealing attention.