underact
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un·der·act
(ŭn′dər-ăkt′)v. un·der·act·ed, un·der·act·ing, un·der·acts
v.tr.
To perform (a theatrical role) weakly, with insufficient expressiveness, or with intentionally understated expressiveness.
v.intr.
To perform in an understated or unemotional way.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
underact
(ˌʌndərˈækt)vb
(Theatre) theatre to play (a role) without adequate emphasis. Compare overact
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
un•der•play
(ˌʌn dərˈpleɪ, ˈʌn dərˌpleɪ)v.t.
1. to play (a part or scene) subtly and with restraint.
2. to play (a part) sketchily.
3. to understate or de-emphasize; downplay.
v.i. 4. to underplay a part or scene.
[1725–35]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
underact
Past participle: underacted
Gerund: underacting
Imperative |
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underact |
underact |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
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Verb | 1. | underact - act (a role) with great restraint |
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