Meaning & Definition of Act in English

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

2. Something that people do or cause to happen

3. A subdivision of a play or opera or ballet

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

• "He did his act three times every evening"

• "She had a catchy little routine"

• "It was one of the best numbers he ever did"

5. A manifestation of insincerity

• "He put on quite an act for her benefit"

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

• "Think before you act"

• "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"

2. Behave in a certain manner

• Show a certain behavior

• Conduct or comport oneself

• "You should act like an adult"

• "Don't behave like a fool"

• "What makes her do this way?"

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

3. Play a role or part

• "Gielgud played hamlet"

• "She wants to act lady macbeth, but she is too young for the role"

• "She played the servant to her husband's master"

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"

• "She plays deaf when the news are bad"

6. Be suitable for theatrical performance

• "This scene acts well"

7. Have an effect or outcome

• Often the one desired or expected

• "The voting process doesn't work as well as people thought"

• "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"

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

9. Behave unnaturally or affectedly

• "She's just acting"

10. Perform on a stage or theater

• "She acts in this play"

• "He acted in `julius caesar'"

• "I played in `a christmas carol'"