Act
/ækt/
verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meanings
Question
Definitions
2 meanings1
To do or perform something.
/ækt/
verbneutralBeginner
General
To perform an action
The dog acted strangely.
💡 Simply: To do something.
More Examples
2
She acted on impulse.
How It's Used
General
"He acted quickly to save the child."
Theatre
"She is acting in a new play."
2
Something that is done; a deed.
/ækt/
nounneutralBeginner
Arts
A deed or performance
The act of kindness touched her deeply.
💡 Simply: Something done or performed.
More Examples
2
It was a brave act.
How It's Used
Law
"The court passed judgment on the criminal act."
Theatre
"The first act of the play was boring."
Tip:Think of a 'stage act'.
Idioms & expressions
act your age
Behave in a way appropriate for your age, not childishly.
"Stop acting like a child; act your age!"
From Old French *acte, from Latin *actus, past participle of agere "to do, drive, act, lead".
The word 'act' has been used in legal contexts since at least the Middle Ages.