actor
actor
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "actor" is /ˈæk.tər/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
ac-: /æk/ (as in "cat")
-tor: /tər/ (as in "butter")
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: actor
Plural Noun: actors
Feminine Noun (less common, often replaced by "actor"): actress
Plural Feminine Noun: actresses
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A person who portrays a character in a performance, such as a play, movie, or television show. This individual uses their voice, body, and emotions to embody the role and tell a story to an audience.
Synonyms: performer, player, Thespian, impersonator, dramatist
Antonyms: audience member, spectator, viewer
Definition 2: A person who plays a significant role in an event or situation; one who takes action or is a participant.
Synonyms: participant, agent, doer, operative, perpetrator
Antonyms: bystander, observer, inactive person, recipient
Examples of Use
Books:
"He was an actor who understood the power of silence as much as he did grand speeches, a master of subtlety." (From a fictional novel about Hollywood, e.g., The Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
"The renowned British actor, Laurence Olivier, delivered many of the most memorable performances of his generation." (From a biography or non-fiction work on theater, e.g., Laurence Olivier: A Biography by Donald Spoto)
Newspapers:
"Local actor wins prestigious award for role in independent film." (Headline from a local newspaper, e.g., The Daily Chronicle)
"The political actors involved in the recent negotiations have yet to reach a consensus." (Opinion piece in a national newspaper, e.g., The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"Leonardo DiCaprio is widely considered one of the greatest actors of his generation." (Online entertainment news article, e.g., Variety.com)
"Cybersecurity experts warn that state-sponsored actors are behind the latest wave of ransomware attacks." (Tech news website, e.g., TechCrunch)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "And the Oscar for Best Actor goes to..." (Heard during an awards ceremony like The Academy Awards)
Television Series: "The show's success is largely due to the chemistry between its lead actors." (Review of a TV series on a streaming platform, e.g., Netflix)
Theater Program: "Starring a talented ensemble of actors from across the country." (Program for a Broadway play)
Podcast: "In this episode, we interview a voice actor who has brought countless animated characters to life." (Interview podcast)
Video Game: "The game features a cast of well-known voice actors providing the dialogue for the characters." (Video game review or marketing material)
General Public Discourse:
"My brother wants to be an actor when he grows up, he's always putting on plays." (Casual conversation among family)
"He's a real professional actor; you can tell by how he immerses himself in every role." (Informal discussion among friends about a performance)
"The primary actors in the climate change debate need to prioritize sustainable solutions." (Discussion in a public forum or civic meeting)
10 Famous Quotes Using Actor
"An actor is a sculptor who carves in snow." — Lawrence Barrett
"The best actor is the man who can do nothing extremely well." — Alfred Hitchcock
"An actor is at most a poet and at least an entertainer." — Marlon Brando
"Every actor is somewhat insane. We are creating and inhabiting imaginary circumstances constantly." — Daniel Day-Lewis
"To be an actor, you have to be a child." — Paul Newman
"An actor is never so great as when he reminds you of someone else." — François Truffaut
"An actor is a fool for God." — Gerard Depardieu
"The actor should be able to create the universe in the palm of his hand." — Laurence Olivier
"The most difficult character in comedy is that of the fool, and he must be no simpleton who plays that part." — Miguel de Cervantes (often applied to actors)
"An actor is like a violinist: the script is his sheet music." — Morgan Freeman
10 Famous Quotes Using Actor
"An actor is a sculptor who carves in snow." — Lawrence Barrett
"The best actor is the man who can do nothing extremely well." — Alfred Hitchcock
"An actor is at most a poet and at least an entertainer." — Marlon Brando
"Every actor is somewhat insane. We are creating and inhabiting imaginary circumstances constantly." — Daniel Day-Lewis
"To be an actor, you have to be a child." — Paul Newman
"An actor is never so great as when he reminds you of someone else." — François Truffaut
"An actor is a fool for God." — Gerard Depardieu
"The actor should be able to create the universe in the palm of his hand." — Laurence Olivier
"The most difficult character in comedy is that of the fool, and he must be no simpleton who plays that part." — Miguel de Cervantes (often applied to actors)
"An actor is like a violinist: the script is his sheet music." — Morgan Freeman
Phrases + Idioms Containing Actor
Lead actor: The main performer in a play, film, or show.
Character actor: A performer who specializes in playing unusual or eccentric characters rather than lead roles.
Method actor: A performer who attempts to create a complete emotional and psychological understanding of the character they are playing.
Bit-part actor: A performer with a very small, often non-speaking, role.
Child actor: A young performer.
Screen actor: A performer who primarily works in film or television.
Stage actor: A performer who primarily works in live theater.
Thespian (synonym): Often used poetically or formally for an actor.
To be a true professional (actor): To demonstrate high skill and dedication in one's craft.
A cast of thousands (referring to actors): A phrase implying a very large ensemble of performers.
Action-taker (original, drawing on etymology): Someone who is decisive and gets things done.
Key actor (in a situation/event): A principal participant or driving force.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of actor from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
