What does acting mean?
Acting is the art and practice of portraying a character in a dramatic work, whether on stage, on screen, or in other performance media. It involves using voice, movement, gesture, and emotional expression to bring a written role to life for an audience. The word derives from the Latin 'agere', meaning 'to do' or 'to drive', reflecting the fundamental idea that to act is to do something. Beyond its theatrical sense, 'acting' can also describe the process of taking effect or functioning, though this usage is less common today. As an adjective, it appears in phrases such as 'acting manager' or 'acting president', indicating someone who temporarily fills a position of authority. The term is neutral in register and widely understood across English-speaking regions. Its derivatives include 'actor' and 'actress', denoting those who practise the craft professionally.
The art or profession of performing a role in a play, film, or other dramatic work.
"His acting in the final scene moved the entire audience to tears."
Often used attributively in compounds such as 'acting career' or 'acting debut'.
The action of doing something; the process of taking effect or functioning.
"The acting of the new law begins next month."
Less common than the theatrical sense; often used in legal or formal contexts.
Temporarily filling the duties of a position or office.
"She was appointed acting director while the search for a permanent replacement continued."
Always used attributively before a title; signals a temporary rather than permanent appointment.
The word 'acting' comes from the Latin 'agere', meaning 'to do' — so every performance is literally an act of doing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acting
The word 'acting' derives from the Latin verb 'agere', meaning 'to do', 'to drive', or 'to perform'. This root passed into Old French and then Middle English, where 'acten' came to mean both to take action and to perform a role. The noun 'acting' emerged in English by the late medieval period, with its theatrical sense becoming firmly established alongside the growth of professional drama. Cognates from the same Latin root include 'action', 'active', and 'agent', all preserving the core idea of doing or driving forward.
Related word forms
How acting is actually used
'Acting' as a noun most commonly refers to the performing arts and carries no particular register — it is equally at home in casual conversation and formal criticism. When used attributively before a title ('acting director'), it signals a temporary appointment rather than a permanent one.
Easily confused with acting
As an adjective, 'acting' describes someone temporarily filling a position (e.g. acting manager), whereas as a noun it refers to the craft of performing roles.