matinée

The family attends a matinée performance at the theater.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An afternoon performance: "matinée" refers to a theatrical, musical, or cinematic performance that takes place in the afternoon, typically as a daytime show.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We attended a matinée of the play at 2 PM. (An afternoon performance of the theatrical work.)
  • The cinema offers discounted tickets for the matinée show. (A reduced-price afternoon film screening.)

Advanced Usage

• "matinée idol": a male actor who is very popular and admired, especially one who performs in matinée shows.

  • He became a matinée idol after starring in romantic films. (He was a highly admired actor, often seen in afternoon performances.)

• "matinée performance": a specific afternoon showing of a play or film.

  • The matinée performance was sold out due to its popularity. (The afternoon show had no available seats.)

Variants and Related Words

• Matinee (n): an alternative spelling of "matinée," commonly used in American English.
  • We went to a matinee of the ballet. (An afternoon ballet performance.)

Synonyms

• Afternoon show: a performance or screening held in the afternoon.

  • The afternoon show began at 3 PM. (The performance started in the afternoon.)

• Daytime performance: a show that occurs during daylight hours, typically before evening.

  • The daytime performance was shorter than the evening one. (The earlier show had a different duration.)

Related Idioms

• "matinée audience": the group of people who attend an afternoon performance, often including families or retirees.
  • The matinée audience was quieter than the evening crowd. (The afternoon attendees were more subdued.)