actor's assistant
1
3.9
- noun
- /ˈæktərz əˈsɪstənt/
- The actor's assistant made sure every costume change went smoothly during rehearsals.
Examples
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The lead performer trusted his actor's assistant to keep his wardrobe and props ready before each act.
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After working as an actor's assistant for several years, she learned the behind-the-scenes workings of the theater.
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The actor's assistant helped with the costume changes.
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An actor's assistant is essential during live performances.
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The actor's assistant helped set up the lighting and prepared the props for the opening scene.
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During the production, the actor's assistant ensured that the lead actor had everything he needed, from scripts to snacks.
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As an actor's assistant, she was responsible for managing costume fittings and scheduling rehearsals.
Synonyms
813
1.0
A person who helps someone with their work or tasks
359
3.5
A person who helps someone in a job, for example a teacher or politician
3
6.1
A person who helps actors with their costumes during shows
1
4.7
A person who helps someone in need, for example with first aid
A man who helps performers put on and adjust costumes backstage
How Experienced
Surface Forms
Morphology
actor's + assistant
The phrase is fully compositional: 'actor's' (possessive of actor) indicates whom the assistant belongs to and 'assistant' means a helper, so the combined meaning is simply a helper of an actor. This possessive + noun structure is a regular, cross-linguistic pattern and would be clear to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
The phrase actor's assistant comes from the stage, where a assistant stands beside an actor to help with quick costume changes and hand props during a show. So the name shows they are literally the actor's helper and today it means 'a person who helps an actor with costumes and personal needs'.