acting

[ ak-ting ]
/ ˈæk tɪŋ /

adjective

serving temporarily, especially as a substitute during another's absence; not permanent; temporary: the acting mayor.
designed, adapted, or suitable for stage performance.
provided with detailed stage directions for the performer: an acting version of a play.

noun

the art, profession, or activity of those who perform in stage plays, motion pictures, etc.

Origin of acting

First recorded in 1595–1605; act + -ing2, -ing1

OTHER WORDS FROM acting

pro·act·ing, adjective un·act·ing, adjective

Definition for acting (2 of 2)

Origin of act

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English act(e) (from Middle French), from Latin ācta, plural of āctum “something done,” noun use of past participle of agere “to do” ( āg- past participle stem + -tum neuter past participle suffix); and directly from Latin āctus “a doing” ( āg- + -tus suffix of verbal action)

synonym study for act

1. See action.

OTHER WORDS FROM act

Example sentences from the Web for acting

British Dictionary definitions for acting (1 of 4)

acting
/ (ˈæktɪŋ) /

adjective (prenominal)

taking on duties temporarily, esp as a substitute for another the acting president
operating or functioning an acting order
intended for stage performance; provided with directions for actors an acting version of ``Hedda Gabler''

noun

the art or profession of an actor

British Dictionary definitions for acting (2 of 4)

ACT 1

abbreviation for

Australian Capital Territory
(formerly in Britain) advance corporation tax

British Dictionary definitions for acting (3 of 4)

ACT 2
/ (ækt) /

n acronym for

(in New Zealand) Association of Consumers and Taxpayers: a small political party of the right

British Dictionary definitions for acting (4 of 4)

act
/ (ækt) /

noun

verb

See also act on, act out, act up

Derived forms of act

actable, adjective actability, noun

Word Origin for act

C14: from Latin actus a doing, performance, and actum a thing done, from the past participle of agere to do

Idioms and Phrases with acting

act