Reading Theme:
Curtain Definition, Types & Usage Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：window drape (curtain)
curtain
/ˈkɜːrtən/
n.
a piece of cloth that hangs down from above a window and can be used to cover the window.
window drape
➕
/ˈwɪndoʊ dreɪp/
n.
A piece of cloth hung over a window for privacy or decoration.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'cortina' (small court), later 'curtain' meaning hanging cloth.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a 'court' where the judge sits behind a curtain, adding drama.
📖 Example
She drew back the curtain to let the morning sun flood into the room.
She pulled the curtain open to let the morning sunlight pour into the room.
🔗 Collocations
draw the curtain – pull the curtain to open or close
curtain rod – the metal bar that holds a curtain
sheer curtain – a thin, transparent curtain
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
curtained (adj.) – fitted with curtains
curtaining (n.) – the act or material of hanging curtains
curtainless (adj.) – without curtains
📖 Cultural Story
Theatrical curtains date back to ancient Rome. The word evolved from Old French 'cortine', originally a bed canopy, later used for stage drapery.
Meaning 2：theater curtain (curtain)
curtain
/ˈkɜːrtən/
n.
a large piece of cloth that hangs in front of the stage in a theater. It opens and closes at the start and end of a performance.
theater curtain
➕
/ˈθiːətər ˈkɜːrtən/
n.
A large cloth that separates the stage from the audience, raised or lowered at the start/end of a performance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
As the curtain rose, the audience fell silent, eager to see the first scene.
When the curtain went up, the audience fell silent, eager to see the first scene.
🔗 Collocations
raise the curtain – lift the curtain to begin the show
curtain call – the return of performers to the stage to receive applause
curtain close – the lowering of the curtain to end the performance
🔄 Synonyms
backdrop (n.) – a painted cloth hung at the back of a stage
drop curtain (n.) – a curtain that is lowered from above
act drop (n.) – a curtain lowered between acts
🌱 Derivatives
curtainer (n.) – a person who operates theater curtains
curtain-raiser (n.) – a short play before the main performance
Wordbook
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