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acting definition

act·ing (ak′tiŋ)

adjective

  1. adapted for performance on a stage an acting version of a play
  2. that acts; functioning
  3. temporarily taking over the duties (of a specified position) the acting chairman

noun

the act, art, or occupation of performing in plays, movies, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

acting Synonyms

acting

modif.

substitute, substituting, temporary, alternate, deputy, officiating, interim, delegated, assistant, adjutant, surrogate, pro tem; see also temporary. See syn. study at temporary.

Antonyms official*, confirmed*, regular.


acting

n.

pretending, feigning, simulating, gesturing, ranting, spouting, orating, dramatizing, performing, behaving, playing, showing off, posturing, enactment, impersonation, depiction, portrayal, pantomime, rendition, dramatics, histrionic art, stage playing, stagecraft, simulation, theatricals, performance, dramatic action, mimicry, histrionics, mime, playacting.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

acting Usage Examples

Preposition: on

  • behalf: FORMER PHARMACY LET Acting on behalf of a local property investor Humberts Commercial have let the former pharmacy at Fore Street, Williton.

Preposition: as

  • agent: Here he was asked to act as an intermediary between the Royal Navy and a Cretan Greek acting as an intelligence agent.

Adjective modifier

  • hammy: For once his hammy acting is entirely appropriate, and I loved his brave possum character.

Modifies a noun

  • troupe: In 1602 William Shakespeare's acting troupe, the Chamberlain's Men, were invited to perform at the Middle Temple Hall.

Modifying Another Word

  • centrally: Although tizanidine is related to the centrally acting antihypertensive clonidine, it has a relatively low incidence of systemic hypotension.

Noun used with modifier

  • voice: There is barely anything here to make you smile, aside from the occasional piece of voice acting that should have been better.

Preposition: in

  • capacity: The standard of care of a reasonable professional acting in that capacity.

Preposition: of

  • faith: And let us acknowledge divine grace if there be strong actings of faith and love toward God.

Preposition: from

  • cast: The naturalistic acting from the non-professional cast works very well, as the underplaying brings out the film's dry humor.
acting usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

acting quotes

I am glad you have asked me. I should like you to convey when you are acting it that the man you portray has a brother in Shropshire who drinks port. Barth

-Barrie, SirJ(ames) M(atthew)

Method acting? There are quite a few methods. Mine involves a lot of talent, a glass, and some cracked ice.

-Barrymore,John

It is acting inits purest form.You havetoact with youreyes.

-Bonham Carter, Helena

acting quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"acting." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/acting>

APA Style

acting. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/acting

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