ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Understudy

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈʌndɚstʌdi/ · Part of speech verb

Quick meaning: Understudy is a verb meaning (transitive) To study or know a role to such an extent as to be able to replace the normal performer when required.

Meaning

(transitive) To study or know a role to such an extent as to be able to replace the normal performer when required.

More Meanings

  1. (transitive) To act as an understudy (to someone).
  2. (transitive) To act in a similar manner to some known person.
  3. A performer who understudies; a standby for a study.

Example Sentences

That lean gentleman had apparently understudied Pharaoh of old and hardened his heart.
For Wynne-Edwards, the role of the outcasts in the welfare of the group is to wait in the wings as understudies, ready to step into the shoes of any territory holder who dies on the main stage of group reproduction.

Word Forms

Synonyms for understudy

Depending on context, synonyms include standby, alternate.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include alternate, standby, stuntman, stunt, replacement, double.

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.