act
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1act
noun \ˈakt\Definition of ACT
1
a : the doing of a thing : deed b : something done voluntarily
2
: a state of real existence rather than possibility
3
: the formal product of a legislative body : statute; also : a decision or determination of a sovereign, a legislative council, or a court of justice
4
: the process of doing : action <caught in the act>
5
often capitalized : a formal record of something done or transacted
6
: one of the principal divisions of a theatrical work (as a play or opera)
7
a : one of successive parts or performances (as in a variety show or circus) b : the performer or performers in such an act c : a performance or presentation identified with a particular individual or group d : the sum of a person's actions or effects that serve to create an impression or set an example <a hard act to follow>
8
: a display of affected behavior : pretense
— into the act or in on the act
: into an undertaking or situation as an active participant
See Examples of ACT
- We were grateful for her many acts of kindness.
- the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Please read act II, scene 1 of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
- In the first act, two characters are talking in a restaurant.
Origin of ACT
Middle English, partly from Latin actus doing, act, from agere to drive, do; partly from Latin actum thing done, record, from neuter of actus, past participle of agere — more at agent
First Known Use: 14th century
2act
verbDefinition of ACT
transitive verb
2
3
: to play the part of as if in a play <act the man of the world>
4
: to behave in a manner suitable to <act your age>
intransitive verb
1
a : to perform on the stage b : to behave as if performing on the stage : pretend
2
: to take action : move <think before acting> <acted favorably on the recommendation>
3
: to conduct oneself : behave <act like a fool>
4
: to perform a specified function : serve <trees acting as a windbreak>
5
: to produce an effect : work <wait for a medicine to act>
6
of a play : to be capable of being performed <the play acts well>
7
: to give a decision or award <adjourned without acting on the bill>
— act·abil·i·ty \ˌak-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— act·able \ˈak-tə-bəl\ adjective
Examples of ACT
- He knew he had to act quickly.
- The government was slow to act.
- She acted on behalf of her father, who was not at the meeting.
- I believe that the killer acted alone.
- She had acted in self-defense when she killed her attacker.
- We were acting in the best interests of our children.
- We must act soon to end this crisis.
- She learned at an early age how to act properly in social situations.
- People are always telling me how I should act and what I should say.
- I noticed that the dog was acting funny this morning.
First Known Use of ACT
1590
3act
abbreviationDefinition of ACT
1
active
2
actor
3
actual
Other Performing Arts Terms
1ACT
abbreviationDefinition of ACT
1
Action for Children's Television
2
Association of Classroom Teachers
3
Australian Capital Territory
Other Education Terms
2ACT
trademark \ˌā-ˌsē-ˈtē\Definition of ACT
—used for a standardized achievement test to evaluate suitability for college admission
Other Education Terms
Learn More About ACT
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