Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈam-fə-ˌthē-ət-ər/

Definitions

• A large, circular or oval open-air theater with raised seating around a central area, traditionally used for public performances, games, or events.
• An arena or structure that was commonly used in ancient Rome for gladiatorial contests and other spectacles.

Usage Examples

• "The ancient Roman amphitheater hosted grand events, including gladiator battles and animal fights."
• "Modern amphitheaters are used for concerts, outdoor theater performances, and sports events."

Etymology

From Greek "amphi-" meaning "on both sides" and "theatron" meaning "theater," referring to a theater with seating on all sides of the stage.

Synonyms

• Arena
• Theater
• Coliseum
• Auditorium

Antonyms

• Enclosed theater
• Indoor theater
• Auditorium

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈam-fə-ˌthē-ət-ər/
• British English: /ˈam-fə-ˌthē-ət-ər/
• Australian English: /ˈam-fə-ˌthē-ət-ər/
• Indian English: /ˈam-fə-ˌthē-ət-ər/

Historical Usage

The amphitheater dates back to ancient Roman times, where it was used for gladiatorial games, animal hunts, and theatrical performances. One of the most famous examples is the Colosseum in Rome. In modern times, amphitheaters are used for open-air performances, concerts, and sporting events.

Cultural Nuances

Amphitheaters symbolize a historical tradition of public spectacle and community events. In ancient Rome, they were central to social and political life, while in contemporary culture, they continue to host large public events, especially in outdoor settings.

More Information

An amphitheater is not only a place for entertainment but also an architectural achievement that combines engineering with artistic expression. The design of the amphitheater allowed for large crowds to gather, with seating arranged in a way that maximized the view for every spectator. Modern amphitheaters maintain this tradition, often used for concerts, festivals, and outdoor performances. The term "amphitheater" has come to represent any venue designed for performances with a focus on open-air, circular or oval seating arrangements.