to understudy
- verb
- /ˈʌndərˌstʌdi/
- In case the main actor is unable to perform, the director asked him to understudy the role.
No, I was Susanna and I understudied Mary Warren.
- No, I was Susanna and I understudied Mary Warren.
- I always I well, you understudied me.
Examples
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I'm understudying the lead.
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I was understudying the lead.
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I may want you to understudy her.
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I was under the impression I was to understudy in case anything goes wrong.
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I know both parts because I'm understudying the other guy.
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- Well, no, I mean, you know I'm understudying for Hamlet, right?
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- I've been understudying for months.
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No, I was Susanna and I understudied Mary Warren.
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And I'm understudying Lady Macbeth.
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My husband is understudying Wotan at the Cologne Opera.
How Ready
Surface Forms
Etymology
Understudy (verb) comes from the parts under ('below' or 'in place of') and study ('learn'). It means to learn another actor's role so you can step in and replace them if needed.