What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onstage
Example
The actor was nervous before going onstage. [onstage: adverb]
Example
The play's climax takes place onstage. [onstage: adjective]
theatrical
Example
The director's vision for the play was very theatrical. [theatrical: adjective]
Example
She made a theatrical gesture to emphasize her point. [theatrical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Onstage is less common than theatrical in everyday language, as it is more specific to the context of theater. Theatrical is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onstage and theatrical?
Theatrical is more formal than onstage, as it is often used in academic or critical discussions of theater and drama. Onstage is more casual and is commonly used in everyday conversation among theater enthusiasts.
