English dictionary

act meaning and definition

Definition and meaning of act at MeaningMonkey.org. act meaning and definition in the English Dictionary.

ACT noun

Definition of act (noun)

  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"
    • synonyms: bit, number, routine, turn
  5. a manifestation of insincerity
    • "he put on quite an act for her benefit"

ACT verb

Definition of act (verb)

  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"
    • synonyms: move
    • antonym: forbear
  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"
    • synonyms: behave, do
  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"
    • synonyms: 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"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad"
    • synonyms: act as, play
  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"
    • synonyms: work
  8. be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
  9. behave unnaturally or affectedly
  10. perform on a stage or theater
    • "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'"
    • synonyms: play, playact, roleplay
Source: Princeton University Wordnet

If you find this page useful, share it with others! It would be a great help. Thank you!

  

Link to this page: