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Definition of "acting" []

  • Temporarily assuming the duties or authority of another. See Synonyms at temporary. (adjective)
  • That contains directions for use in a dramatic performance: the play's acting text. (adjective)
  • That is appropriate for dramatic performance: an acting comedy. (adjective)
  • The occupation of an actor or actress. (noun)
  • Performance as an actor or actress. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "acting" in a sentence
  • "For, in truth, he is not acting in his own interest but in that of a third person, who has yet to come into existence, albeit he is under the impression that he is acting in his own But it is this very _acting in some one else's interest_ which is everywhere the stamp of greatness and gives to passionate love the touch of the sublime, making it a worthy subject for the poet."
  • "(acting normally on the advice _acting on advice of Irish of Irish Cabinet?), but subject Cabinet_, but subject to to instructions from Imperial instructions from Imperial"
  • "There are some fairly creepy set pieces but nothing really stands out, the acting is average, the plot is hackneyed and derivative, the direction is average."