Meaning & Definition of word "Act"

Act

/ækt/

1. a deed or a performance; something that is done or performed.
- Example: His act of kindness was appreciated by everyone.
2. a specific action or series of actions.
- Example: The first act of the play was very engaging.
3. a legal document or legislation.
- Example: The government passed a new act to protect the environment.

1. to do something; to perform a function or action.
- Example: She decided to act on her instincts and apply for the job.
2. to take action in order to achieve a particular result.
- Example: The committee must act quickly to address the issues.
3. to behave in a specified way.
- Example: He tried to act mature in front of his parents.

Late Middle English: from Latin 'actus', meaning 'a doing, a driving'.

act up:

to misbehave or cause trouble.

act out:

to express feelings through behavior rather than words.

put on an act:

to pretend to be something one is not.

action:

the fact or process of doing something.

activity:

a condition in which things are happening or being done.

actor:

a person whose profession is acting on the stage, in movies, or on television.

Meaning: to behave in a certain way, especially when trying to impress others.

Example Sentence: He was just acting all cool at the party.

Meaning: to fake a feeling or behavior.

Example Sentence: Don't act like you know everything.