Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

play-acting

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.75 in modern English

Syllables: play-act-ing
IPA

18

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

3

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The acting of a play or plays; the occupation of an actor; dramatic performance.

Uncountable

noun

The act of engaging in pretence or insincere behavior, often in order to mislead someone or gain an advantage.

Uncountable

verb

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."

Etymology

From play-act + -ing.

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

play-actings (plural) playacting (alternative)

Questions

What does play-acting mean?: The acting of a play or plays; the occupation of an actor; dramatic performance.
Where does play-acting come from?: From play-act + -ing.

How to pronounce play-acting

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