act

/ˈækt/ · 1 syllable

Meaning

verb

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
“think before you act”
behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
“You should act like an adult”
play a role or part
“Gielgud played Hamlet”
discharge one's duties
“She acts as the chair”
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
“He acted the idiot”
be suitable for theatrical performance
“This scene acts well”
have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected
“The voting process doesn't work as well as people thought”
be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
behave unnaturally or affectedly
“She's just acting”
perform on a stage or theater
“She acts in this play”

noun

a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
something that people do or cause to happen
a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
a short performance that is part of a longer program
“he did his act three times every evening”
a manifestation of insincerity
“he put on quite an act for her benefit”

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