act

Meanings

• 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 theatrical 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"
• perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
  • "think before you act"
  • "The governor should act on the new energy bill"
  • "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel"
• behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
  • "You should act like an adult"
  • "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people"
• play a role or part
  • "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"
• discharge one's duties
  • "She acts as the chair"
  • "In what capacity are you acting?"
• 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
  • "How does your idea work in practice?"
  • "The breaks of my new car act quickly"
• 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"
  • "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"

Synonyms

act as, behave, bit, deed, dissemble, do, enactment, human action, human activity, move, number, play, playact, pretend, represent, roleplay, routine, turn, work