English Reference
noun · adjective

acting

n. · adj.
US /ˈæktɪŋ/ UK /ˈæktɪŋ/ act·ing UK spelling actings

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Theatre

    n.the job or skill of performing as a character in a play, movie, or television show.

    n.the art or occupation of performing a fictional role in a dramatic production.

    Simple

    She decided to take acting classes to improve her confidence on stage.

    In context

    The lead actor received critical acclaim for his subtle acting, which conveyed deep emotion without relying on grand gestures.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.behaving in a way that is not sincere or true to hide your real feelings.

    n.the act of feigning a particular emotion or state; insincere behaviour.

    Simple

    I could tell his kindness was just acting because he was mean to everyone else.

    In context

    Her apparent enthusiasm for the project was mere acting, designed to appease the board members during the annual review.

    feigningpretence
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    adj.doing a job for a short time while the usual person is away.

    adj.holding a position or rank temporarily during the absence of the permanent incumbent.

    Simple

    The acting manager will handle all staff issues until the new boss arrives.

    In context

    The acting director-general issued a statement clarifying that no long-term policy changes would be implemented until a permanent successor was appointed.

    Usage

    Always placed before the noun it modifies.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    n.a formal word for something that someone does.

    n.the performance of a deed or action; in legal contexts, used to distinguish a specific conduct from a formal 'deed'.

    Simple

    The acting of the crime was caught on the security camera.

    In context

    The court focused on the physical acting of the defendant rather than his stated intentions at the time of the incident.

Usage acting like · acting career


From act + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated