Language Research

cast · noun C

/kæst/Full view

cast

B2 all the actors in a film, play or show

Dictionary examples:

After the final performance, the director threw a party for the cast.

Part of the film's success lies in the strength of the supporting cast.

Learner example:

We saw a romantic film with a famous cast. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

cast · verb T often passive

/kæst/

cast (ACTORS)

B2 to choose an actor for a particular part in a movie or play

Dictionary example:

Why is he always cast as a criminal?

Learner example:

And this "universal force" of this book made [it] possible to already have two cinematographic versions; the first, really similar to the book, casts Colin Firth as the main character, the second, an American version of the book, changed the football passion [to] a baseball madness, showing well how universal this story could be. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

cast a/your vote

C2 to vote

Dictionary example:

More than 30,000 citizens cast their votes in the last city election.

Learner example:

Every several years, in every country people have to make their choices during general elections. Often a great number of political parties encourage them to cast their votes according to the unemployment policy the candidates are supposed to introduce once they are appointed. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

cast your mind back

C2 to try to remember

Dictionary example:

If you cast your mind back, you might recall that I never promised to go.

Learner example:

Thus, when I pick one of these stones, I cast my mind back to the specific place where I found it, the person I was, the particular moment. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

cast a spell on sb

C2 to seem to use magic to attract someone

Dictionary example:

The city had cast a spell on me and I never wanted to leave.

Learner example:

Even objects that came indirectly into our possession may cast an emotional spell on us. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

cast a spell (on sb/sth)

C2 to use magic to make something happen to someone

Dictionary example:

The witch cast a spell on her.

Learner example:

The good fairy, taking pity upon Laura, prevented her from going on living without her prince - which would have been too painful for her - by casting a spell upon the castle that put every one of its inhabitants [in]to a deep, dreamless sleep. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

cast doubt on sb/sth

C2 to make people feel uncertain about someone or something

Dictionary examples:

Witnesses have cast doubt on the suspect's innocence.

A leading scientist has cast doubts on government claims that the medication is safe.

Learner example:

Wars lead to suffering, tears and [the] death of many people. They cast doubt on our humanity and values, especially in countries where the right to live is the princip[al] one. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

cast (LIGHT)

C2 to send light or shadow in a particular direction

Dictionary example:

The moon cast a white light into the room.

Learner example:

The first blush of the morning was casting a yellow soft light over the landscape. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)