1
a
: the doing of a thing : deed
an act of courage
b
law
: something done voluntarily
2
: the process of doing something : action
caught in the act
3
: the formal product of a legislative body : statute
an act of Congress
also
: a decision or determination of a sovereign, a legislative council, or a court of justice
4
: one of the principal divisions of a theatrical work (such as a play or opera)
a play in three acts
5
a
: one of successive parts or performances (as in a variety show or circus)
a magic act
b
: the performer or performers in such an act
a two-person comedy act
c
: a performance or presentation identified with a particular individual or group
They took their act on the road.
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
6
: a display of affected behavior : pretense
put on an act that deceived nobody
His friendly concern was just an act.
7
often capitalized
: a formal record of something done or transacted
8
: a state of real existence rather than possibility
acted; acting; acts
1
: to take action : move
think before acting
acted favorably on the recommendation
2
: to conduct oneself : behave
act like a fool
3
a
: to perform on the stage
began acting at the age of eight
b
: to behave as if performing on the stage : pretend
seemed angry but was just acting
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
: to give a decision or award
adjourned without acting on the bill
7
of a play
: to be capable of being performed
a play that acts well
1
a
: to represent or perform by action especially on the stage
will act the part of Romeo in tonight's play
c
2
: to play the part of as if in a play
act the man of the world
3
: to behave in a manner suitable to
Act your age.
1
active
2
actor
3
actual
1
Action for Children's Television
2
Association of Classroom Teachers
3
Australian Capital Territory
—used for a standardized achievement test to evaluate suitability for college admission
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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