|
| act [ akt ] |
noun (plural acts) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. something done: something that somebody does
|
2. doing something: the action of carrying something out
|
3. part of play: one of the main sections of a play or other dramatic performance
|
4. one of several performances: a short performance, especially one that is part of a varied program or show
  The next act is a barbershop quartet.
|
5. performer: the performer or performers who take part in an act
|
6. personal behavior: somebody's actions or behavior considered as entertainment or used as an assessment of that person's worth
(
informal
)
a class act
|
7. pretense: behavior that is intended to impress or deceive other people
He's just putting on an act.
|
8. politics record regarding law: a record or statement of the decision made by a legislative or judicial body
|
9. formal record: a formal written record of the proceedings of a society, committee, or elected group
|
10. philosophy something done intentionally: something brought about by human will
|
verb (past and past participle act·ed, present participle act·ing, 3rd person present singular acts) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. intransitive verb do something: to do something to change a situation, e.g. to solve a problem or prevent one arising
need to act at once
|
2. transitive and intransitive verb behave in particular way: to adopt a particular way of behaving
You've been acting funny all morning.
Stop acting like a fool.
|
3. intransitive verb pretend: to behave in a way intended to impress or deceive other people
|
4. intransitive verb function as something: to serve a particular purpose or perform a particular function
The ozone layer acts as a barrier against harmful radiation.
|
5. intransitive verb replace somebody: to be a substitute for somebody or something else
Since the director cannot attend, his deputy will act for him.
|
6. intransitive verb have effect: to create, produce, or bring about an effect or result
Once the medicine acts, you'll feel better.
|
7. transitive and intransitive verb play role: to play the part of a character in a dramatic performance
a chance to act Othello
|
8. intransitive verb be actor: to pursue a career in movies or drama
|
9. transitive and intransitive verb perform something, or be performed: to stage a dramatic performance, or be capable of being staged
The company will act a different play tomorrow night.
|
| [14th century. Directly or via French acte< Latin actus, actum "public transaction" < past participle of agere "do"] |
|
| act·a·ble adjective |
|
|
a hard or tough act to follow somebody or something that sets a standard difficult to reach by others who come later (informal)
|
catch somebody in the act to see or meet somebody just as he or she is doing something, especially something wrong
|
clean up your act to improve your behavior (slang)
|
get in on the act to join in something in order to share in its success or profit (informal)
|
get your act together to do something to become more organized (slang)
|
