understudy
pronunciation
How to pronounce understudy in British English:
UK [ˈʌndəstʌdi]
How to pronounce understudy in American English:
US [ˈʌndərstʌdi]
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- Noun:
- an actor able to replace a regular performer when required
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- Verb:
- be an understudy or alternate for a role
Word Origin
- understudy (v.)
- also under-study, 1852, in the theatrical sense "memorize a part so as to be capable of performing on short notice it in the absence of the one to which it is assigned," from under + study (v.). The noun is attested from 1848, translating Italian supplimento.
Example
- 1. You may be the worst understudy ever .
- 2. Understudy the leading actress in a movie .
- 3. It 's the understudy perfect storm !
- 4. I will not understudy for more than two plays at once .
- 5. The leading man got laryngitis but his understudy stepped into the breach and gave an excellent performance .