Actor

/ˈæktər/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonProfession
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

1

A person who acts in a play, film, or television program.

/ˈæktər/

nounneutralBeginner
Profession

A person who performs in plays, films, or television.

The actor received rave reviews for his performance.

💡 Simply: Someone who plays a part in a show.

More Examples

2

Many aspiring actors auditioned for the part.

How It's Used

Theatre

"The actor delivered a powerful performance as Hamlet."

Film

"The lead actor won an Oscar for his role."

Idioms & expressions

a character actor

An actor who specializes in playing unusual or eccentric characters.

"He was a renowned character actor, known for his memorable supporting roles."

From Latin *actor, agent, doer; related to agere, to do, act, drive.

The term 'actor' has been used for centuries to describe those who perform in plays, originally often carrying a negative connotation due to the social status of actors.

Memory tip

Think of 'acting' - actors perform actions.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"one who acts or does"

lead actorcharacter actorsupporting actoractor's performance

Common misspellings

acteractoer

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written