première

The première of the new play was held at the grand theater.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • First public performance: A "première" is the first public performance of a play, film, ballet, or other artistic work.
   • Opening event: It can also refer to the formal opening night of a theatrical or cinematic production, often attended by celebrities or critics.

2. Verb:

   • To present for the first time: To "première" means to present a work to the public for the first time.
   • To be first performed: It can also mean that a work is first shown or performed publicly.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The film's première was held at a famous cinema in Hollywood. (The first public showing of the film took place in Hollywood.)
  • She wore a stunning dress to the ballet's première. (She wore an impressive outfit to the first performance of the ballet.)

• Verb:

  • The director will première his new movie at the festival next week. (The director will show his new movie for the first time at the festival.)
  • The play premières tomorrow evening at the local theatre. (The play will be performed for the first time tomorrow evening.)

Advanced Usage

• "World première": The very first public performance or showing of a work anywhere in the world.

  • The world première of the symphony was a huge success. (The first-ever performance of the symphony was very successful.)

• "Royal première": A première attended by members of a royal family, often for a charitable cause.

  • The royal première of the film raised funds for children's hospitals. (The film's first showing was attended by royalty and supported a charity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Premier (adj): first in position, importance, or order; leading.
  • He is the premier pianist of his generation. (He is the leading pianist of his time.)
• Premiere (verb/noun): an alternative spelling (more common in American English) for "première", meaning the same thing.
  • The TV series will premiere next month. (The TV series will be first broadcast next month.)

Synonyms

• Debut: the first public appearance or performance of a person or work.
  • Her debut as a singer was well-received. (Her first public performance as a singer was praised.)
• Opening night: the first performance of a theatrical production.
  • The opening night of the play sold out quickly. (The first performance's tickets were all sold.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (None specifically associated with "première" as a verb; it is typically used as a standalone transitive or intransitive verb.)

Related Idioms

• "Steal the show at the première": to be the most impressive or attention-grabbing element during the first performance.
  • The lead actor stole the show at the première with his emotional performance. (The lead actor was the most memorable part of the first showing.)