Play-act: meaning, definitions and examples

Used typically in situations involving insincere or exaggerated behavior, often implying someone is putting on a show for effect rather than being genuine.

• He started to play-act his happiness around her, but everyone could see through it

Used when someone is doing a specific activity for an audience, especially in artistic contexts like music, theater, or dance.

• The band will perform at the concert tonight
• She performed a beautiful ballet

General term used in various situations where someone is doing something, whether on stage, in a movie, or behaving in a certain way in real life.

• She decided to act in the school play
• He needed to act quickly to save the situation

Used when someone is making believe or acting in a way that is not true, often with the intention to deceive or create a false impression. This word can carry a negative connotation depending on the context.

• He pretended to be sick to avoid going to school
• She pretended to like the gift even though she didn't

Used when someone is engaging in an act or trying to give an exaggerated impression of a situation, often in a theatrical or insincere manner.

• He tends to play-act during meetings to get attention
• The children were play-acting a scene from their favorite movie

Used when someone is making something appear true that is not, often in everyday situations or childhood games.

• Children like to pretend they are superheroes
• He pretended to be sick to avoid going to school

Applied when someone is imitating a specific person, usually for entertainment, performance, or sometimes deceit.

• He can impersonate famous actors perfectly
• The criminal impersonated a police officer to gain access

Used when someone is exactly copying the behavior, sound, or actions of another, often for fun or learning. It can sometimes have a slightly mocking or humorous intention.

• She can mimic the teacher's voice very well
• The parrot mimicked the sounds it heard in the house