act
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
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!