centre stage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “centre stage” mean?
The central position in a theatre stage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central position in a theatre stage; the main focus of attention.
A position of maximum attention or importance in any field or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'centre stage' (UK) vs. 'center stage' (US). Usage is identical in meaning and frequency.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Connotes prominence, importance, and being the primary subject of interest.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English, with the respective spelling.
Grammar
How to Use “centre stage” in a Sentence
[Subject] takes centre stage[Subject] is at centre stage[Subject] puts/places [Object] centre stageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centre stage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director decided to centre stage the protagonist in the final act.
- The issue was centre staged during the conference.
American English
- The new policy will center stage economic recovery.
- Her speech centered stage the challenges faced by the community.
adverb
British English
- The CEO stood centre stage to address the shareholders.
American English
- The politician placed the new policy center stage in her campaign.
adjective
British English
- It was the centre-stage topic of the meeting.
- He played a centre-stage role in the negotiations.
American English
- Climate change is a center-stage issue for the administration.
- She has a center-stage position in the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business strategy, sustainability has taken centre stage.
Academic
The debate about methodology has moved centre stage in sociological discourse.
Everyday
At family gatherings, the new baby always takes centre stage.
Technical
In the latest update, user accessibility has been placed centre stage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centre stage”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centre stage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centre stage”
- Using it as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'a centre-stage issue' should be hyphenated when pre-modifying).
- Confusing it with 'centre of the stage', which is more literal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is written as two separate words, but can be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective (e.g., a centre-stage performance).
Yes, though less common. It means 'to place at the centre of attention' (e.g., 'The report centre stages the need for reform').
The most common pattern is as part of the verb phrase 'take centre stage' or 'be at centre stage'.
Yes. 'Centre stage' is a fixed idiom meaning 'main focus'. 'The centre of the stage' is a literal description of a physical location in a theatre.
The central position in a theatre stage.
Centre stage is usually neutral to formal in register.
Centre stage: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsen.tə ˈsteɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsen.t̬ɚ ˈsteɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take centre stage”
- “be thrust into centre stage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a theatre STAGE. The most important actor stands in the CENTRE. CENTRE + STAGE = main focus.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE/ATTENTION IS A CENTRAL POSITION ON A STAGE.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'centre stage' correctly?