understudy
understudy Lexical Profile
understudy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An actor or performer who learns the lines and movements of a leading role in order to step in at short notice if the regular performer is ill or unable to appear.
"When the lead soprano lost her voice before opening night, her talented understudy delivered a stunning performance."
A person trained to assume the duties and responsibilities of another in a business, organization, or profession when needed.
"The senior director spent six months mentoring an understudy to ensure a smooth transition upon her retirement."
• verb
To learn a theatrical role or serve as a backup performer for another actor in order to be ready to perform the part at short notice.
"Early in her career, she understudied several prominent actresses on Broadway before landing her own starring role."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th-century theatrical world by combining the prefix 'under-' (indicating a subordinate or secondary role) with 'study' (from the theatrical sense of memorizing lines for a part).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.