What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
actor
Example
The actor delivered an outstanding performance in the play. [actor: noun]
Example
She has been acting for years and is a talented actor. [acting: gerund or present participle]
thespian
Example
He is a thespian who has performed in many Shakespearean plays. [thespian: noun]
Example
The thespian community is very supportive and welcoming. [thespian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Actor is more common and versatile than thespian. Actor is used in various contexts and is a familiar term to most people, while thespian is less common and may be unfamiliar to some.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between actor and thespian?
Thespian is more formal and less commonly used than actor. It is typically used in more elevated or academic contexts, such as theater reviews or discussions about the history of acting.
