understudy

Etymology

under- +‎ study

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈʌndɚˌstʌdi/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈʌndəˌstʌdi/

• Audio (Northern California, US)

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• Hyphenation: un‧der‧study

Verb

understudy (third-person singular simple present understudies, present participle understudying, simple past and past participle understudied)

1. to study or know a role to such an extent as to be able to replace the normal performer when required
2. to act as an understudy (to someone)
3. to act in a similar manner to some known person.
   • 1935 Owen Conquest 'Morny's Master Stroke' That lean gentleman had apparently understudied Pharaoh of old and hardened his heart.

Noun

understudy (plural understudies)

1. a performer who understudies; a standby