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actressy

American  
[ak-truh-see] / ˈæk trə si /

adjective

  1. self-consciously stagy in style or manner; exaggeratedly theatrical.

    an actressy reading that distorted the character of Ophelia.


actressy British  
/ ˈæktrɪsɪ /

adjective

  1. exaggerated and affected in manner; theatrical

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of actressy

First recorded in 1895–1900; actress + -y 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At my toughest moments — it sounds very dramatic and actressy — but I would try to summon her in my funny little beige plastic-lined trailer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2020

She studied me, she did not speak, she cocked her head, pursed her lips, and pressed a finger to her cheek, in actressy reflection, liking the suspense she was creating.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2019

Try to think of great actressy moments in the cinema and the memory veers towards heartbreak more than happiness or fulfilment.

From The Guardian • Jan. 17, 2017

She had, one editor recalled, “a particularly actressy voice.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2016

And not a bit stagey or actressy, and rather what you call an uncut diamond—a gem in her way, but not fine beur, not exactly.

From The Judgment House by Parker, Gilbert

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