acting

[ak-ting]

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.

noun

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

acting

/ 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''

noun

1. the art or profession of an actor

Other Word Forms

• proacting adjective
• unacting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acting¹

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

Example Sentences

The staccato nature of the writing is helped enormously by the entrancing acting of both Vargas, who breezes through different theatrical realms as though he had wings, and Hernandez, who locks realistically into character.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I’ve been writing for some time that it’s an odd thing for liberals and progressives to suddenly find themselves acting as conservatives.

Read more on Salon

In an interview with an online magazine, James’s son described watching the 2020 “Minari” film with his father and how his parents supported his pursuit of acting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Instead, Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general at the time, ordered all but a handful requiring specialized medical treatment be housed in the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Russian delegation to the parade included the acting governor of Kursk, the Russian region where North Korean troops helped drive out Ukrainian forces.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal