ACT • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Act

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Act

noun

A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body. Synonym: enactment.

Something that people do or cause to happen. Synonyms: deed, human action, human activity.

A subdivision of a play or opera or ballet.

A short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program. Synonyms: bit, number, routine, turn. "She had a catchy little routine" , "It was one of the best numbers he ever did"

A manifestation of insincerity.

verb

(past & past part. acted; pres. part. acting)

Perform an action, or work out or perform (an action). Synonym: move. "We must move quickly" , "The governor should act on the new energy bill" , "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel" Antonym: refrain.

Behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself. Synonyms: behave, do. "Don't behave like a fool" , "What makes her do this way?" , "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people"

Play a role or part. Synonyms: play, represent. "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role" , "She played the servant to her husband's master"

Discharge one's duties. "In what capacity are you acting?"

Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind. Synonyms: act as, play. "She plays deaf when the news are bad"

Be suitable for theatrical performance.

Have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected. Synonym: work. "How does your idea work in practice?" , "This method doesn't work" , "The breaks of my new car act quickly" , "The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water"

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

Behave unnaturally or affectedly. Synonyms: dissemble, pretend.

10.

Perform on a stage or theater. Synonyms: play, playact, roleplay. "He acted in 'Julius Caesar'" , "I played in 'A Christmas Carol'"