Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/kæst/

Definitions

• Verb: To throw something forcefully in a particular direction. Example: "He cast the stone into the river."
• Verb: To form or shape something by pouring liquid into a mold. Example: "The artist cast a statue in bronze."
• Verb: To assign a role in a play, film, or other performance. Example: "The director cast him as the lead role in the movie."
• Noun: A group of actors who perform in a play or movie. Example: "The cast of the show received rave reviews."
• Noun: A hard protective shell, often made of plaster, used to immobilize a broken bone. Example: "He wore a cast on his arm for six weeks."

Usage Examples

• "She cast her line into the water and waited for a bite."
• "The actor was cast in a supporting role in the new drama."
• "After breaking his leg, he had to wear a cast for several months."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "casten," which comes from Old English "ceastian" meaning "to throw, to cast." The word has evolved over centuries to cover various meanings, including those related to shaping, acting, and medical use.

Synonyms

• Throw
• Hurl
• Project
• Fling
• Assign
• Group

Antonyms

• Catch
• Keep
• Collect
• Retrieve

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some areas of the UK, "cast" may be pronounced with a short "a" as in "cat," whereas in American English, the "a" sound tends to be more pronounced as "ah," as in "father."

Historical Usage

The word "cast" has been in use for centuries, originally used in relation to the action of throwing or hurling. Over time, it expanded to encompass meanings related to shaping materials and assigning roles in theatrical productions. Its medical usage, referring to a hard protective shell for broken limbs, emerged in the 17th century.

Cultural Nuances

In modern times, "casting" has a prominent role in the entertainment industry, with "casting calls" being a vital part of film, television, and theater production processes. In some cultures, the act of casting a role is a reflection of social or political values, as casting decisions may affect representation on screen or stage.

More Information

The verb "cast" is versatile, with meanings that extend beyond physical throwing. It is used in various contexts, from assigning roles in theater and film to shaping objects through casting techniques. In medicine, it refers to a hard shell applied to immobilize broken bones. The word also has significant cultural and historical roots, especially in the performing arts, where the "cast" represents a collective group of actors who bring a production to life. The term has even expanded into modern technology, with "casting" now used to describe the streaming of content from one device to another, highlighting its adaptability across different domains.