Acting

/ˈæktɪŋ/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonPerformance
2 meanings1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The art or occupation of performing roles in plays, films, or other performances.

/ˈæktɪŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
Performance

The performance of a role in a play, film, etc.

The acting in that movie was superb.

💡 Simply: Pretending to be someone else in a play or movie.

More Examples

2

He's a talented young actor, his acting is impressive.

How It's Used

Theatre

"Her acting in the play was captivating."

Film

"The film's success depended heavily on the quality of acting."

2

The way someone behaves or performs an action.

/ˈæktɪŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
Behavior

The process of behaving in a particular way.

His acting strange made everyone worried.

💡 Simply: How someone behaves or performs an action.

More Examples

2

Her acting casual hid her nervousness.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"His acting was suspicious; I think he was hiding something."

Tip:Think of 'acting' as 'doing' something, like showing a certain behavior.

From the present participle of the verb "act", ultimately from the Latin "agere" meaning "to do, drive, act".

The word "acting" has been used in its current sense since the late 16th century.

Memory tip

Think of 'acting' as 'doing' something on stage or screen.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to do, drive, act"

method actingstage actingscreen actingbrilliant actingconvincing acting

Common misspellings

acktingaccting

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written