acting

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical

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'.

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

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