Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Noun: act  akt
  1. Something that people do or cause to happen
    - deed, human action, human activity
     
  2. (law) a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee, society or legislative body
    - enactment
     
  3. A subdivision of a play, opera or ballet
     
  4. A short performance that is part of a longer program
    "he did his act three times every evening";
    - routine, number, turn, bit
     
  5. A manifestation of insincerity
    "he put on quite an act for her benefit"
Verb: act  akt
  1. Perform an action; do something
    "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";
    - move
     
  2. Show a certain behaviour; conduct or comport oneself
    "You should act like an adult"; "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people";
    - behave, do
     
  3. (performing arts) Perform a role or part
    "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role";
    - play, represent
     
  4. Discharge one's duties
    "She acts as the chair"; "In what capacity are you acting?"
     
  5. Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
    "He acted the idiot";
    - play, act as
     
  6. Be suitable for theatrical performance
    "This scene acts well"
     
  7. Have a desired or expected effect or outcome
    "The breaks of my new car act quickly";
    - work
     
  8. Be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
     
  9. Behave unnaturally or affectedly
    "She's just acting";
    - dissemble, pretend
     
  10. (dramaturgy) perform on a stage or theatre
    "She acts in this play"; "He acted in 'Julius Caesar'";
    - play, roleplay, playact

Derived forms: acting, acts, acted

See also: act on, carry on, work

Type of: be, bring home the bacon [informal], come through, come up trumps [Brit, informal], deliver the goods, dramatic composition, dramatic work, event, expression, instrument, legal document, legal instrument, manifestation, official document, perform, performance, public presentation, recreate, re-create, reflection, reflexion [Brit], serve, succeed, turn up trumps [Brit, informal], win

Antonym: forbear

Part of: ballet, concert dance, drama, dramatic play, opera, play

Encyclopedia: Act, Manya!