stage

The word “stage” means a phase or step in a process of change or development. In plain terms, a step in a process, or a platform for performing — also a verb meaning to organise an event.

“Stage” is pronounced stayj (/steɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

Here is “stage” used in a sentence: “The project is still in its early stages.”

Words with a similar meaning to “stage” include level, map, area, world, track and board.

Depending on how it is used, “stage” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “stage” comes from Old French. From Old French estage, meaning a dwelling or condition, ultimately tied to a verb meaning "to stand" — the same root that gives us "stead.".

“Stage” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Stage” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a phase or step in a process of change or development.

The two are close and often interchangeable, but there is a subtle difference. A stage is usually a distinct, orderly step in a sequence, such as stage one and stage two. A phase tends to describe a period marked by a particular character or condition, which may blend gradually into the next.

A caterpillar becoming a butterfly passes through clear stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. A construction project might have a planning stage, a building stage, and a finishing stage. In both cases, a stage is one identifiable step within a larger process of change or development.

A step is usually smaller and more specific, a single action you take. A stage is broader, often containing several steps, and marks a whole span of progress. You might complete many steps within the early stage of a project before moving on to the next stage.