understudy — English Dictionary

Verb

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

   Usage

   • Transitive

2. To act as an understudy (to someone).

   Usage

   • Transitive

3. To act in a similar manner to some known person.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   That lean gentleman had apparently understudied Pharaoh of old and hardened his heart.

Noun

1. A performer who understudies; a standby for a study.

   Synonyms

   standby

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   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.

Noun

1. an actor able to replace a regular performer when required

   Synonyms

   standby

   Broader terms

   actorhistrionplayerthespianrole player

Verb

1. be an understudy or alternate for a role

   Synonyms

   alternate

   Broader terms

   memorizememoriseconlearn