actor
/ˈæktər/
noun
Origin
Latin
actor — doer, performer, agent
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who portrays a character in a dramatic or comic production.
- A participant in an action or process.
Literal older meaning
one who drives or performs
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
actour
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
In the Middle Ages, the term 'actor' was often used synonymously with 'author' (Latin 'auctor'), as both were seen as people who 'performed' or brought something into being. The specialization to theatrical performance occurred later, gaining popularity alongside the development of professional drama.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*h₂éǵeti
“to drive, to lead”
- Latin
actor
“doer, performer”
From agere 'to act, do'.
- Old French
acteur
“doer, author, actor”
- Middle English
actour
“one who performs; author”
Connections
Word parts
act-
root
to do
-or
suffix
agent
Related across languages
French
acteur
actor
Spanish
actor
Explore next
Related to actor
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.