Showing results for "acting"

• present participle of act.

acting

American  

[ak-ting] / ˈæk tɪŋ /

adjective

1. serving temporarily, especially as a substitute during another's absence; not permanent; temporary.

   the acting mayor.

   Synonyms:

   interim, provisional

2. designed, adapted, or suitable for stage performance.

3. provided with detailed stage directions for the performer.

   an acting version of a play.

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noun

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

acting British  

/ ˈæktɪŋ /

adjective

1. taking on duties temporarily, esp as a substitute for another

   the acting president

2. operating or functioning

   an acting order

3. intended for stage performance; provided with directions for actors

   an acting version of ``Hedda Gabler''

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noun

1. the art or profession of an actor

Other Word Forms

• proacting
  adjective
• unacting
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of acting

First recorded in 1595–1605; act + -ing ², -ing ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acting

The self-declared modern-day Miss Marple warned Kenny to be on the lookout for anyone acting differently, reasoning that "if you're suddenly a traitor, you're going to be a bit on high alert".

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

Rodriguez had pursued acting before going into stand-up comedy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

Unlike ocean waves, which move through water, atmospheric gravity waves are disturbances that propagate through the air, with gravity acting as a restoring force.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

Chuck Grom, a retail analyst at Gordon Haskett, says even some middle to upper-middle class people “are acting like low income shoppers lately.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

Rowdy thought he had found another friend and was acting like he was very proud of what he had done.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

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