Actorly

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to the specific qualities and behaviors exhibited by those who perform roles in theatrical productions
2. Displaying qualities or mannerisms typical of a person who plays roles in theatre or film
3. Having traits or behaviors that resemble those commonly seen in performers on stage or screen

Etymology: "Actorly" is a plain combination: the noun "actor" with the suffix "-ly," which is ultimately the Old English "-līċ," meaning "having the form or qualities of," the same suffix found in words like "lovely" or "manly." Adding it to "actor" produces an adjective describing what is characteristic of a stage or screen performer. The noun "actor" has a longer history. It came into Middle English from Latin "āctor," meaning "doer" or "driver," from the verb "agere," "to drive, do, or act." The sense of someone who performs in a play developed from that general notion of doing or carrying out an action. The suffix's roots lie in Proto-Germanic, where it marked likeness, so "actorly" literally means "in the manner of an actor."

Synonyms: theatrical, dramatic, performative, thespian, artistic