Play-acting
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Play-acting is a noun meaning The acting of a play or plays; the occupation of an actor; dramatic performance.
Meaning
The acting of a play or plays; the occupation of an actor; dramatic performance.
More Meanings
- (figuratively) The act of engaging in pretence or insincere behavior, often in order to mislead someone or gain an advantage.
- present participle and gerund of play-act
Example Sentences
Despite growing Puritan disapproval of play-acting, vehemently expressed in sermons and pamphlets, Charles's court was famous for its amateur theatricals.
Children's games are often play-actings of adult roles and thus inculcate the values and customs of the culture in a way that formal schooling might neglect.
Yes, child care means that the days are longer, working hours broken up and scattered between intervals of dinosaur play-acting. It also means there is almost no time alone.
Word Forms
- play-actings
- playacting
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include theater, theatre, playacting, playgoing, dramatics, dramaticks.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.