Underact: meaning, definitions and examples
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underact
[ ˌʌndərˈækt ]
theatrical performance
To underact means to perform with restraint, displaying less emotion or intensity than what might typically be expected. In the context of acting, it refers to a deliberate choice to minimize gestures, facial expressions, or vocal inflections. This technique often creates a subtlety in performance that can be powerful, especially in scenes that require a nuanced approach. However, overuse of underacting may lead to a lack of engagement from the audience.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He tended to underact during the dramatic scenes.
- The director preferred actors who could underact for the subtlety it brought to the film.
- In this particular play, the leads were instructed to underact to create a more realistic atmosphere.
Translations
Translations of the word "underact" in other languages:
🇵🇹 subestimar
🇮🇳 कम अभिनय करना
🇩🇪 unterspielen
🇮🇩 kurang beraksi
🇺🇦 недостатньо зіграти
🇵🇱 niedostatecznie działać
🇯🇵 演技が不十分である
🇫🇷 sous-jouer
🇪🇸 actuar menos
🇹🇷 az oynamak
🇰🇷 과소 연기하다
🇸🇦 تمثيل أقل
🇨🇿 nedostatečně hrát
🇸🇰 nedostatočne hrať
🇨🇳 表现不足
🇸🇮 premalo igrati
🇮🇸 of litlu leikur
🇰🇿 кемшіліктермен ойнау
🇬🇪 ნაკლებად მოქმედება
🇦🇿 az oynamaq
🇲🇽 actuar menos
Etymology
The term 'underact' has its roots in the English language, combining the prefix 'under-', which indicates lesser or below, with the word 'act', originating from the Latin 'actio', meaning 'a doing or performance'. The concept of underacting emerged in the theatrical communities as actors explored different styles of performance. The idea suggests that not all emotions must be exhibited overtly; sometimes, the strength of an actor's performance lies in what is unsaid or unexpressed. Over time, underacting gained recognition for its ability to create tension and intrigue, particularly in modern cinema and theatre, leading to discussions about the balance of expressiveness in acting.