Understudy: meaning, definitions and examples
🎭
understudy
[ ˈʌndərˌstʌdi ]
theater
An actor who learns the role of another actor in order to be able to act as a replacement if needed.
Synonyms
replacement, stand-in, substitute
Examples of usage
- The understudy was called to perform after the lead actor fell ill.
- She had been the understudy for the role for months, but finally got her chance to shine on stage.
theater
To learn and be prepared to perform a role as a replacement for another actor.
Synonyms
stand in for, substitute for
Examples of usage
- She had to understudy the leading lady and was ready to step in at any moment.
- He understudied the role of Hamlet and was thrilled to finally get the chance to perform it.
Translations
Translations of the word "understudy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 substituto
🇮🇳 प्रतिस्थापन
🇩🇪 Ersatz
🇮🇩 pengganti
🇺🇦 заступник
🇵🇱 zastępca
🇯🇵 代役
🇫🇷 remplaçant
🇪🇸 suplente
🇹🇷 yedek
🇰🇷 대역
🇸🇦 بديل
🇨🇿 náhradník
🇸🇰 náhradník
🇨🇳 替补
🇸🇮 nadomestni igralec
🇮🇸 varamaður
🇰🇿 орынбасар
🇬🇪 შემცვლელი
🇦🇿 əvəzləyici
🇲🇽 suplente
Word origin
The term 'understudy' originated in the world of theater in the 19th century. It refers to the practice of having a backup actor who learns the lines and blocking of a main role in case the primary actor is unable to perform. This ensures that the show can go on even in unexpected circumstances. The concept of understudies has since been adopted in various other fields, such as music and sports, to designate a substitute or backup performer.
See also: studious.