Interim vs. Acting — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
Interim refers to a temporary period, while Acting refers to a temporary role or function.
Difference Between Interim and Acting
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Interim often denotes a provisional or temporary timeframe, indicating a phase until something permanent is established. Acting, on the other hand, usually pertains to someone performing the duties of a position on a temporary basis.
When someone holds an Interim title, it usually means they are serving for a specific period until the position is permanently filled. In contrast, an Acting title often indicates that the person is filling in temporarily, usually due to the absence or vacancy of the regular occupant.
The term Interim might be used in scenarios like "interim period" or "interim report," indicating temporary phases or updates. Acting, however, might be utilized in contexts such as "acting manager" or "acting director," highlighting a provisional role someone is fulfilling.
While both Interim and Acting suggest temporariness, the former leans more towards timeframes, whereas the latter emphasizes roles or positions.
One could say an organization is in an Interim phase of leadership if they're between permanent CEOs. Meanwhile, if a deputy manager takes on managerial responsibilities due to the manager's absence, they're in an Acting capacity.
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Comparison Chart
Related To
Timeframes or phases
Roles or positions
Usage Context
"Interim period", "Interim report"
"Acting manager", "Acting director"
Indicates
A specific provisional duration
A provisional role someone is filling
Derivation
From Latin "interim" meaning "meanwhile"
From the verb "act" meaning "to do"
Association
Often associated with transitional periods
Often due to absence or vacancy
Compare with Definitions
Interim
Serving for the time being.
He is the interim head of the department.
Acting
Performing a role temporarily.
She's the acting head while he's on vacation.
Interim
A temporary interval in a sequence.
The CEO resigned, so they hired an interim replacement.
Acting
Behaving in a certain way.
He's acting strangely today.
Interim
An intervening period of time.
In the interim, we kept the process running.
Acting
Giving a performance in a play or film.
She's acting in a new Broadway play.
Interim
A provisional arrangement until something permanent occurs.
The interim solution worked until the new system was introduced.
Acting
Acting is an activity in which a story is told by means of its enactment by an actor or actress who adopts a character—in theatre, television, film, radio, or any other medium that makes use of the mimetic mode. Acting involves a broad range of skills, including a well-developed imagination, emotional facility, physical expressivity, vocal projection, clarity of speech, and the ability to interpret drama.
Interim
Meant to last for only a short time.
Interim measures were implemented during the crisis.
Acting
Temporarily assuming the duties or authority of another.
Interim
An interim is a provisional or temporary intervening period of time. In projects, an interim report is often compiled to analyze how the project is proceeding, before its final completion.
Acting
The occupation of an actor.
Interim
An interval of time between one event, process, or period and another.
Acting
Performance as an actor.
Interim
Belonging to, serving during, or taking place during an intermediate interval of time; temporary
An interim agreement.
Acting
Temporarily assuming the duties or authority of another person when they are unable to do their job.
The Acting Minister must sign Executive Council documents in a Minister's absence.
The CEO is currently in a hospital. The CFO is acting CEO in the meantime.
Interim
Transitional.
Iraq's government is interim.
Acting
Present participle of act
Interim
Temporary.
You are interim manager until he returns from hospital.
Acting
An action or deed.
Interim
A transitional or temporary period between other events.
His car is in the shop, but they gave him a rental to drive in the interim.
Acting
(legal) Something done by a party — so called to avoid confusion with the legal senses of deed and action.
Interim
The meantime; time intervening; interval between events, etc.
All the interim isLike a phantasms, or a hideous dream.
Acting
Pretending.
Interim
A name given to each of three compromises made by the emperor Charles V. of Germany for the sake of harmonizing the connecting opinions of Protestants and Catholics.
Acting
(drama) The occupation of an actor.
Interim
The time between one event, process, or period and another
Acting
Operating in any way.
Interim
Serving during an intermediate interval of time;
An interim agreement
Acting
Doing duty for another; officiating; as, an acting superintendent.
Acting
The performance of a part or role in a drama
Acting
Serving temporarily especially as a substitute;
The acting president
Acting
Serving in a substitute capacity.
He's the acting captain for today's game.
Acting
Functioning in a specified manner.
The committee is acting on behalf of the board.
Common Curiosities
If someone is the "Acting Manager," are they the official manager?
No, they are fulfilling managerial duties temporarily, often due to the regular manager's absence.
Can "Interim" and "Acting" be used interchangeably?
While both suggest temporariness, "Interim" emphasizes time, and "Acting" emphasizes role.
How does "Acting" usually refer to a position?
Acting refers to someone performing the duties of a position temporarily.
What is an "Acting Deputy"?
An "Acting Deputy" is someone performing the duties of a deputy on a temporary basis.
Is an "Interim CEO" a permanent position?
No, an "Interim CEO" serves temporarily until a permanent CEO is appointed.
What does "Interim" typically indicate?
Interim usually indicates a temporary or provisional timeframe.
Can "Acting" imply behavior?
Yes, "Acting" can refer to behaving in a certain way, as in "acting out" or "acting strangely."
How does "Acting" relate to decision-making?
"Acting" can mean taking action or making decisions, as in a committee "acting on" recommendations.
Where does the term "Interim" originate from?
It's derived from Latin "interim," meaning "meanwhile."
Can "Interim" refer to a solution?
Yes, it can refer to a provisional or temporary solution until something permanent is in place.
Can "Interim" be used in financial contexts?
Yes, as in "interim financial statements," which provide data for a portion of a fiscal year.
How is the word "Acting" typically used in film and theater?
"Acting" refers to performing a role in a play or film.
Is an "Interim Report" a final report?
No, an "Interim Report" provides updates or findings for a specific period, not a final conclusion.
Does "Interim" always imply a short duration?
Not necessarily. It implies a temporary period, but the duration can vary.
Is an "Acting Role" always temporary?
Generally, yes. It denotes temporarily performing a role, whether in a job or performance context.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
