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Understudy: meaning, definitions and examples

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understudy

 

[ ˈʌndərˌstʌdi ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
understudy

Used in the context of theatrical performances or shows. An understudy learns the role of a primary actor and is prepared to take over if the main actor cannot perform.

  • She worked as an understudy for the lead role in the Broadway play
stand-in

Commonly used in the entertainment industry, a stand-in is a person who temporarily fills in for an actor during rehearsals, lighting setups, or other non-critical moments. Also used in general contexts to mean someone who temporarily takes over a role or responsibility.

  • The director used a stand-in to block the scene before the main actor arrived
replacement

Often used in a broad range of situations to indicate someone or something that takes the place of another when it is no longer available or functional.

  • After the dishwasher broke, they needed to buy a replacement
substitute

Typically used in education, sports, cooking, and various other areas to describe someone or something that temporarily replaces another. Can be perceived as less permanent.

  • The teacher was sick, so a substitute taught the class for the day

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.
Context #2 | Verb

theater

To learn and be prepared to perform a role as a replacement for another actor.

Synonyms

stand in for, substitute for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
understudy

Used in a theater or performance setting where someone is trained to step in for the main actor if needed.

  • She is the understudy for the leading role in the play
  • The understudy had to perform when the lead actor fell ill
stand in for

Informal and commonly used in everyday situations where someone temporarily takes over another person's duties.

  • Can you stand in for me at the meeting tomorrow? She will stand in for her colleague while he is on vacation
substitute for

Used in formal contexts where one person or thing temporarily replaces another, can also apply to objects or ingredients.

  • He will substitute for the injured player in tonight's game
  • You can substitute butter for oil in this recipe

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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,739 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.