acting

word · lemma: act

/ˈæktɪŋ/
AK-ting
/ˈæktɪŋ/
AK-ting

Definition

Acting is the work or skill of performing a character in a play, movie, or TV show. It can also describe behavior that seems fake or theatrical in everyday life.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly a noun for performance in entertainment: 'good acting', 'acting classes', 'acting career'. In everyday speech, 'That's just acting' can mean someone is pretending or being fake. Don't confuse it with 'acting' as an adjective in phrases like 'acting manager', which means temporary.

Example Sentences

He wants to study acting in college.

basic

Her acting in the movie was very good.

basic

Stop the acting and tell me the truth.

basic

The plot was weak, but the acting totally saved the film.

natural

You can tell she has real acting talent.

natural

Honestly, all that crying felt more like acting than real emotion.

natural