playact

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

Also spelled play-actin

US /ˈpleɪˌækt/ UK /ˈpleɪækt/ See IPA manual

Freq #258630

Meanings

1

verb
to behave theatrically or pretend feelings or intentions that are not genuine

She refused to playact enthusiasm for a plan she opposed.
2

verb
to perform a role in a play or other dramatic entertainment

The children would playact scenes from their favorite stories.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to behave theatrically or... pretend feign dissembleput on an act

2 verb · to perform a role in a play... act perform dramatize

Opposites

be sincereact naturally

Word family

Forms playacting

Derived forms playactingplayactor

Related forms play-actacting theatre pretence

Etymology

A compound of play + act, also commonly written play-act. The stage-performance sense is literal; the sense 'pretend or behave insincerely' extends theatrical acting to everyday conduct.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

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