Meaning of 'act'

noun

something that people do or cause to happen

Synonyms: deed human action human activity

noun

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

Synonyms: enactment

noun

a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program

Example: "The troupe did their act three times every evening."

Synonyms: routine turn bit number

noun

a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet

noun

a manifestation of insincerity

Example: "They put on quite an act for your benefit."

verb

to behave in a certain manner

Example: "Stop acting like a dunce."

Synonyms: carry conduct do behave behave comport deport

verb

to pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

Example: "We acted the idiot."

Synonyms: play

verb

to discharge one's duties

Example: "They acted as the chair for the duration of the meeting."

verb

to play a role or part

Example: "I am acting in the play all week."

Synonyms: play

verb

to perform on a stage or theater

Example: "We act in this play."

Synonyms: play

verb

to behave unnaturally or affectedly

Example: "You're just acting."

Synonyms: pretend dissemble

verb

to perform an action

Example: "I acted out last night's events."

Synonyms: move

verb

to have an effect or outcome

Example: "The alarm system acts as a theft deterrent."

Synonyms: work

verb

to be suitable for theatrical performance

Example: "This scene acts well."