act

(noun, verb)

noun

1. a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body

Similar word(s): enactment

Definition categories: communication, instrument

2. something that people do or cause to happen

Similar word(s): deed

Definition categories: general, event

3. a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet

Definition categories: communication

4. a short performance that is part of a longer program

- he did his act three times every evening

Similar word(s): bit, number, routine, turn

Definition categories: communication, performance

5. a manifestation of insincerity

- he put on quite an act for her benefit

Definition categories: communication, expression, manifestation, reflection, reflexion

Sentences with act as a noun:

- an act of goodwill

- He was caught in the act.

- The pivotal moment in the play was in the first scene of the second act.

- Which act did you prefer? The soloist or the band?

- to put on an act

verb

1. perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

- think before you act

- The governor should act on the new energy bill

- The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel

Similar word(s): move

Definition categories: social

2. behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself

- You should act like an adult

- The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people

Similar word(s): behave, do

Definition categories: body

3. play a role or part

- She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role

Similar word(s): play, represent

Definition categories: creation

4. discharge one's duties

- She acts as the chair

- In what capacity are you acting?

Definition categories: competition, serve

5. pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

- He acted the idiot

Similar word(s): play

Definition categories: body, act, behave, do

6. be suitable for theatrical performance

- This scene acts well

Definition categories: stative, be

7. have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected

- How does your idea work in practice?

- The breaks of my new car act quickly

Similar word(s): work

Definition categories: social, succeed, win

8. be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure

Definition categories: social

9. behave unnaturally or affectedly

- She's just acting

Similar word(s): dissemble, pretend

Definition categories: creation

10. perform on a stage or theater

- She acts in this play

- He acted in `Julius Caesar'

Similar word(s): play, playact, roleplay

Definition categories: creation, perform

Sentences with act as a verb:

- If you don't act soon, you will be in trouble.

- I started acting at the age of eleven in my local theatre.

- He's acting strangely - I think there's something wrong with him.

- He acted unconcerned so the others wouldn't worry.

- High-pressure oxygen acts on the central nervous system and may cause convulsions or death.

- Gravitational force acts on heavy bodies.

- He's been acting Shakespearean leads since he was twelve.

- He acted the angry parent, but was secretly amused.

- This group acts on the circle, so it can't be left-orderable!