stage

Universal Words noun, verb noun period / state 1 [C] a period or state that sth/sb passes through while developing or making progress: This technology is still in its early stages. * The children are at different stages of development. * The product is at the design stage. * People tend to work hard at this stage of life. * At one stage it looked as though they would win. * Don't worry about the baby not wanting to leave you-it's a stage they all go through. part of process 2 [C] a separate part that a process, etc. is divided into: We did the first stage of the trip by train. * The police are building up a picture of the incident stage by stage. * The pay increase will be introduced in stages (= not all at once). * We can take the argument one stage further. theatre 3 [C] a raised area, usually in a theatre, etc. where actors, dancers, etc. perform: The audience threw flowers onto the stage. * There were more than 50 people on stage in one scene. * They marched off stage to the sound of trumpets. seealsoBACKSTAGE, OFFSTAGE, ONSTAGE 4 (often the stage) [sing.] the theatre and the world of acting as a form of entertainment: His parents didn't want him to go on the stage (= to be an actor). * She was a popular star of stage and screen (= theatre and cinema / movies). in politics 5 [sing.] an area of activity where important things happen, especially in politics: She was forced to the centre of the political stage. * Germany is playing a leading role on the international stage. seealsoCENTRESTAGE carriage 6 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) = STAGECOACH seealsoLANDINGSTAGE IDIOMS set the stage for sth to make it possible for sth to happen; to make sth likely to happen: Family problems in childhood can set the stage for stress in adult life. verb [VN] 1 to organize and present a play or an event for people to see: to stage a ceremony / an event / an exhibition * The local theatre group is staging a production of 'Hamlet'. * Birmingham has bid to stage the next national athletics championships. 2 to organize and take part in action that needs careful planning, especially as a public protest: to stage a strike / demonstration / march / protest 3 to make sth happen: The dollar staged a recovery earlier today. * After five years in retirement, he staged a comeback to international tennis.