Definition

A person in a ballet or theater who performs on stage but does not have a main role or speak lines.

Example

The figurant added to the beauty of the performance without taking the spotlight.

Conversation

Did you see the new ballet performance last night?

Yeah, I watched it! The dancers were amazing.

I was surprised to learn that some of them were just figurants.

I know, right? They still added so much to the overall show!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Figurant → It is derived from the French word 'figurer' (meaning to represent or to shape) and the suffix '-ant' (indicating a person who performs an action). The word 'figurant' refers to a person who is a background performer or extra in a theatrical production, essentially someone who represents a character without speaking lines.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'represents' ('figurer') a character in the background of a scene — that's what a figurant does.

Visually Confused Words