understudy

/'ʌndə,stʌdi/

Thân thiện

The understudy steps onto the stage for the leading role.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A performer who learns another's role in order to be able to replace them if necessary: An understudy is an actor or performer who studies a specific role so they can perform it if the primary actor is unavailable.

2. Verb:

   • To study and learn a role in order to act as a substitute performer: To understudy means to learn a part in a play, opera, etc., so as to be able to replace the usual performer if needed.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The lead actress was ill, so her understudy went on stage tonight.
  • He worked for years as an understudy before finally getting a leading role.

• Verb:

  • She is understudying the role of the queen in the new production.
  • All the actors in the company are required to understudy at least one other part.

Advanced Usage

• "To go on as an understudy": To perform in place of the regular actor.
  • The young actor was nervous but excited to go on as an understudy for the first time.

Variants and Related Words

• Understudied (verb, past tense): The action of having learned a role as a substitute.

  • She had understudied the part for months before getting her chance to perform.

• Understudying (verb, present participle/gerund): The process of learning a role as a substitute.

  • Understudying a major role requires great dedication.

Synonyms

• Noun: Standby, substitute, replacement, alternate, cover (UK theatrical term).
• Verb: To cover (a role), to substitute for, to stand in for.

Related Phrases

• "To be an understudy to someone": To be the designated substitute for a specific performer.
  • She is the official understudy to the celebrated soprano.

Idioms

• "Waiting in the wings": While not an idiom containing the word "understudy," this phrase is closely related in a theatrical context. It describes an understudy or someone prepared to take over, ready but not yet on stage.
  • The understudy was waiting in the wings, prepared to perform at a moment's notice.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an actor able to replace a regular performer when required

Verb

1. be an understudy or alternate for a role

Từ đồng nghĩa

• standby
• alternate