# acting

/ˈæktɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈæktɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acting
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. performing in films/plays

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: the art or occupation of performing a fictional role in a dramatic production.

- She decided to take acting classes to improve her confidence on stage.
- The lead actor received critical acclaim for his subtle acting, which conveyed deep emotion without relying on grand gestures.

### 2. pretending

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. temporary role

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Always placed before the noun it modifies.

### 5. a deed or action

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a formal word for something that someone does.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Her acting in the new play is wonderful.
- The director praised the lead actor for his subtle acting during the film's most emotional scenes.
- While the script received mixed reviews, the powerful acting of the ensemble cast managed to elevate the production into a compelling exploration of grief and redemption.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.