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View synonyms for understudy

understudy

[ uhn-der-stuhd-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.
  1. to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
  2. to act as understudy to (an actor or actress):

    to understudy the lead.



verb (used without object)

, un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.
  1. to act or work as an understudy.

noun

, plural un·der·stud·ies.
  1. a performer who learns the role of another in order to serve as a replacement if necessary.

understudy

/ ˈʌndəˌstʌdɪ /

verb

  1. tr to study (a role or part) so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
  2. to act as understudy to (an actor or actress)
“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


noun

  1. an actor or actress who studies a part so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
  2. anyone who is trained to take the place of another in case of need
“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of understudy1

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study
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Example Sentences

Seeing Michael do it was not a shock either, because I cast all of my understudies.

For the most part, these secondary currencies will play the role of understudy to Nielsen’s measurements.

From Digiday

This is especially impressive on Maksoud’s part, having stepped into the main role he was an understudy for just days before curtain up.

He made his Broadway debut in 1955, rising from extra to understudy for star Paul Muni in “Inherit the Wind.”

Two years later, a reporter asked Brees whether he would have been okay with Mahomes as his understudy.

Some are now calling DSK's faux pas “a kiss of death” for Aubry as it makes her seem like no more than his understudy.

Since then the younger son, James, has stepped forward to understudy.

From Katie Holmes to Anne Hathaway, see our picks for her understudy.

He booked his first audition for understudy in the Tony-award-winning Thoroughly Modern Millie.

He was followed by an understudy, who made an ineffective effort to support his predecessor.

If Lilian were damaged somebody else could supply her place, but we havent any understudy for Lilians clothes!

And yet she's rather like Gipsy, just like enough to be a kind of pale copy—an understudy, in fact.

"It'll do—for an understudy," said Bertram softly, for Billy's ears alone.

He halted for a moment and then bawled out in a great voice, "Understudy!"

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