Actor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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actor

[ˈæktər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

performing arts

A person who performs in plays, movies, or television shows, typically portraying a character.

Synonyms

actress, performer, player, thespian.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
actor	This term is generally used to refer to someone who performs in movies, TV shows, or theater. It is gender-neutral and can refer to both men and women. Leonardo DiCaprio is a famous actor She dreams of becoming an actor one day
performer	This term is broadly used to describe someone who entertains an audience through acting, singing, dancing, or other forms of performance art. It does not specify the type of entertainment. The street performer amazed the crowd with his juggling skills She is a multi-talented performer
thespian	This term is a more formal or literary way to refer to an actor or actress, often used to emphasize the craft and seriousness of acting. She studied the techniques of ancient thespians The thespian's performance left the audience in awe
actress	This term specifically refers to a female who performs in movies, TV shows, or theater. It may be considered outdated or less preferable in some contexts due to preference for gender-neutral language. Meryl Streep is a renowned actress The actress won an award for her outstanding performance
player	This term is often used in the context of theater and can sometimes refer to members of a sports team. It's less common in modern usage for actors but can be found in classical or dramatic contexts. The player delivered his lines with great emotion He is a key player in the football team

Examples of usage

He is a talented actor who has appeared in numerous films.
The actress and the actor had great chemistry on stage.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

deception

A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.

Synonyms

deceiver, impostor, pretender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
actor	This term is generally used to refer to someone who performs in movies, television, theater, or any other performing arts. It has a neutral connotation. He is a famous actor in Hollywood movies. She has been an actor in the local theater for years.
impostor	This term is used for someone who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. It also carries a negative connotation. The impostor was caught pretending to be a doctor. She felt betrayed when she realized he was an impostor.
pretender	This word refers to someone who claims to be something they are not, often used in a negative sense, but not as strong as 'impostor' or 'deceiver'. He was just a pretender, claiming to know about the subject. She saw through his act and knew he was a pretender.
deceiver	This word is used to describe someone who lies or tricks people. It has a strong negative connotation. He was known as a deceiver who would say anything to get what he wanted. The deceiver tricked everyone into believing his story.

Examples of usage

The con artist was a master actor, fooling many with his disguises.
She put on her best actor face to hide her true emotions.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

mechanical device

A mechanism that causes something to happen or operate.

Synonyms

agent, mechanism, operator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
actor	An individual who performs in plays, movies, or television shows. He is a famous actor known for his role in the blockbuster movie
agent	A person who acts on behalf of another, especially in business or legal matters, or a representative of an artist, performer, or athlete. Her agent negotiated a lucrative contract for her latest film
operator	A person who operates machinery or equipment, or a person who manages a business operation. The crane operator expertly moved the heavy beams into place
mechanism	A system of parts working together in a machine, or a process or technique for achieving a result. The locking mechanism on the door was very secure

Examples of usage

The thermostat acts as an actor in controlling the temperature of the room.
The actor in the machine triggered the release of the product.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Latin word 'actore', meaning 'one who acts'.
The practice of acting dates back more than 2,500 years to ancient Greece, where it was part of religious festivals.
In Ancient Rome, performances included both comedians and tragedians, shaping the dual nature of acting today.

Pop Culture

Hollywood, known as the film capital, has created iconic images of actors, influencing global culture.
Annual awards like the Oscars celebrate the achievements of both actors and filmmakers, highlighting their significance in cinema.
The rise of streaming services has changed how actors present their work, leading to more diverse roles and stories.

Psychology

Studies show that watching actors play different roles can enhance empathy in viewers, helping them understand diverse perspectives.
Acting requires the ability to express emotions and understand human behavior, making it a complex cognitive task.
Role-playing in acting can be therapeutic, offering individuals a chance to explore different aspects of their personalities.

Literature

Many playwrights, like Shakespeare, created complex characters that actors interpret, giving depth to stories.
In literature, the idea of 'the actor' often symbolizes the fluidity of identity, as characters can embody various traits.
The evolution of dramatic literature parallels the development of acting techniques, affecting how stories are told.

Technology

With advancements in motion capture technology, actors can now bring animated characters to life in a new way.
Virtual reality is gradually changing how actors perform, allowing immersive experiences for viewers.
Social media platforms have become significant for actors to connect with fans and promote their work globally.

Origin of 'actor'

The word 'actor' originated in Middle English from the Latin word 'actor', which means 'doer' or 'performer'. Initially, it referred to a person who performs actions or deeds. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote someone who performs in plays, movies, or television shows.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,139 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5136 indicators
5137 rendering
5138 scholarship
5139 actor
5140 clergy
5141 issuing
5142 devotion
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