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Actress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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actress

[ˈæk.trəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in film industry

A female actor who performs in films, plays, or television shows.

Synonyms

actor, starlet, thespian.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
actress

Typically used to refer to a female performer in the film, television, or theater industry. It emphasizes the gender of the performer.

  • She won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
actor

Generally used to refer to anyone who performs in films, television shows, or theater productions, regardless of gender. It is a more gender-neutral term.

  • He is an aspiring actor hoping to make it big in Hollywood
starlet

Often used to describe a young, emerging female actress who is at the beginning of her career. It can sometimes carry a slightly patronizing or demeaning connotation.

  • The young starlet was spotted at the film premiere, attracting a lot of media attention
thespian

Refers to a stage actor and is often used to emphasize their dedication to the craft of acting. It is a more formal and somewhat archaic term.

  • He considers himself a serious thespian, committed to the art of theater

Examples of usage

  • She is a talented actress who has won several awards.
  • The actress starred in the latest blockbuster movie.
  • I aspire to be an actress one day.
Context #2 | Noun

in theater

A female actor who performs on stage, often in plays or musicals.

Synonyms

dramatist, performer, player.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
actress

Used to refer specifically to a female actor in film, television, or theatre. This word highlights the gender of the performer.

  • The actress won several awards for her remarkable performance in the series
performer

A broad term for anyone who entertains an audience, including actors, musicians, dancers, and other entertainers. It implies a live or filmed performance.

  • The performer captivated the audience with his stunning magic tricks
dramatist

Refers to a writer who composes plays. This term emphasizes the creation of the script rather than the performance itself. It is typically used in literary or academic contexts.

  • Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest dramatists in history
player

An older term for actor, now somewhat outdated but sometimes used in historical or classical contexts. It can also refer to someone who plays a sport or game.

  • In Shakespeare's time, the players traveled from town to town performing different plays

Examples of usage

  • The actress delivered a powerful performance in the play.
  • She is known for her versatility as an actress.
  • The theater company hired a renowned actress for their production.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Perspectives

  • In ancient Rome, women were not allowed to perform on stage, so all roles were played by men, making it a significant change when female performers emerged later.
  • The first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress was Janet Gaynor in 1928, which marked a significant recognition for female performers.

Pop Culture

  • In recent years, acts of empowerment have brought more attention to actress roles, with movements advocating for equal pay and representation in the industry.
  • The portrayal of actresses in film and television often reflects societal changes, such as shifts in gender roles and the evolution of women's rights.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often feel a connection with actresses because they portray emotions and experiences that resonate with viewers.
  • Actresses sometimes face unique pressures and psychological challenges due to the public scrutiny of their bodies and performances.

Literature

  • Many historical novels feature actresses as central characters, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of women in the performing arts.
  • Classic playwrights like Shakespeare included female roles that were often played by boys, reflecting societal norms of the time.

Origin of 'actress'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'actress' originated from the Middle French 'actrice', which is derived from 'act', meaning to perform.
  • Historically, the term was used to differentiate female performers from male actors, as 'actor' was originally gender-neutral.

The term 'actress' originated in the late 16th century as a derivative of 'actor,' which was used to describe performers in plays. Over time, the word 'actress' became specifically associated with female performers, distinguishing them from male actors. The role of actresses has evolved significantly over the centuries, and they have made invaluable contributions to the worlds of film, theater, and television.

See also: act, acting, action, actionable, activate, active, actively, activists, activity, actor, acts, actual, counteractant, enact, inactivity, overact, react, transact.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,362, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.