offstage

American  

[awf-steyj, of-] / ˈɔfˈsteɪdʒ, ˈɒf- /

adverb

1. off the stage or in the wings; away from the view of the audience (onstage ).

2. in one's private life rather than on the stage.

   Offstage the actress seemed rather plain.

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adjective

1. not in view of the audience; backstage, in the wings, etc..

   an offstage crash.

2. withheld from public view or attention; private.

   offstage political meetings.

offstage British  

/ ˈɒfˈsteɪdʒ /

adjective

1. out of the view of the audience; off the stage

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Etymology

Origin of offstage

First recorded in 1920–25; off + stage

Example Sentences

The tales give insight into the lives they live offstage and their perspectives as Asian Americans that inspire so much of their material.

From Los Angeles Times

When he finished, he simply wandered into the darkness offstage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tsuruko, the eldest, stays largely offstage but exerts a crucial, conservative influence on family affairs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Owen checked his phone when they were all the way offstage.

From Literature

We’re not shielded from the horrors, but they almost always happen offstage, implied or alluded to in the sudden vanishing of a loved one or a mournful reference to a death.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• unauthorized