act
noun (countable)
UKæktUSækt
something that is done or performed; a deed or action; also, a main division or part of a play, ballet, or opera
Example Sentences
The final act of the play was the most dramatic and left the audience in awe.
Their donation was a generous act of kindness that helped many people in need.
She appeared in the first act of the musical, captivating the crowd with her solo.
A small act of bravery can sometimes have a profound impact on others.
Parliament passed a new act to protect consumers from fraudulent advertising.
Observing a single heroic act often inspires more individuals to act courageously themselves.
In a bold act of defiance, the activists staged a peaceful protest that gained widespread attention, pushing the government to reconsider its controversial policies.
Many comedians structure their shows in multiple acts, ensuring that each segment has a unique theme and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
Thesaurus
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verb (transitive)
UKæktUSækt
to do something; to behave in a particular way; to take action; to perform in a play, film, or similar production
Example Sentences
He acted immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse.
She learned to act on stage by taking advanced drama classes.
If you believe something is unjust, you should act rather than remain silent.
The medicine takes time to act, so be patient if you don’t feel better right away.
He was hired to act the lead role in the upcoming movie.
After the meeting, everyone agreed to act on the feedback promptly to improve performance.
When confronted with a sudden emergency, people often need to act swiftly, trusting their instincts and training to guide them toward a safe resolution.
Stage actors rehearse for weeks to ensure they can convincingly act every emotional nuance of their characters in front of a live audience.
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Synonyms
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How to Use
To do something, perform, or take action in a situation.As both a verb and a noun, “act” spans multiple contexts. In its verb form, it signifies taking action or doing something deliberately. You may act on impulses, instructions, or moral convictions. For instance, a friend might encourage you to act quickly on an opportunity—highlighting the importance of seizing a moment before it passes.In performance arts, “to act” means to portray a character or role, as in theater or film. Actors study lines, adopt mannerisms, and project emotions that bring scripts to life. Professional performers refine this craft through rehearsals, training, and live practice, aiming to captivate audiences.As a noun, an “act” can be a segment of a play, musical, or opera (often dividing the storyline into structured parts). It can also refer to any deed or accomplishment, like a “random act of kindness” that highlights benevolent behavior.In legal or administrative contexts, an “Act” (usually capitalized) denotes a statute or formal decision passed by a governing body—e.g., an Act of Parliament. Here, it embodies a binding decision that affects public policy or societal rules. When using this word, pinpoint your purpose. Are you emphasizing a performance, a moment of decisiveness, or the result of governance? Clarifying context ensures your audience understands whether you’re discussing a step taken, a section of a performance, or a legal ruling. In all cases, “act” underscores intentional or consequential movement—whether an individual’s choice, a collaborative effort, or the legislative will of authorities.Grammar-wise, “act” can partner with prepositions (like “act on” or “act upon”) to indicate reacting to a piece of information or request. Meanwhile, “act out” suggests expressing feelings through behavior—sometimes inappropriately or dramatically. Recognizing these nuances helps convey exactly how and why a person is doing something. Overall, “act” is all about the interplay between decision and action, whether it’s a personal move or a formal, organized measure.
Alternatives
When discussing taking action or doing something, common synonyms include “do,” “move,” “perform,” and “proceed.” If you need a more forceful sense of starting or initiating, “take steps” or “make a move” may fit. For everyday language, “do something” keeps it simple, reflecting immediate, casual action.In a theatrical or dramatic sense, you might opt for “perform,” “portray,” or “play a role.” These capture the idea of stepping into a character’s shoes. If you need to highlight an emotional or exaggerated display, “act out” emphasizes a performance-like expression.When it comes to nouns, if you want to focus on a particular part of a performance, you can say “scene” or “segment.” “Deed,” “gesture,” or “behavior” might suit descriptions of actions or choices in everyday life. Meanwhile, “statute,” “bill,” or “legislation” clarifies legal contexts, where “act” means a binding rule enacted by an official authority. Selecting the right synonym depends on whether you need to emphasize initiative, performance, law, or an everyday task. This precision in word choice helps ensure clarity and resonance.
Writing
In writing, “act” is concise, powerful, and flexible. Whether you’re crafting a novel, a script, or an analytical essay, you can use “act” to showcase decisive moments, describe protagonists stepping into a new role, or highlight organizational milestones. In a story, a crucial point might be “when the hero decides to act,” propelling the plot forward.When structuring a play or screenplay, dividing it into acts provides a clear framework. Each act carries a distinct phase of the narrative—exposition, conflict, climax, resolution—giving audiences a sense of progression. Meanwhile, in essays, “act” can illustrate central moves made by historical figures, government bodies, or social groups—e.g., “The Act of 1789 reshaped national policies.”To sharpen the effect, pair “act” with context. Who is acting, and why? If it’s a public figure, mentioning their motive, timing, or expected impact clarifies the gravity of their deed. In more intimate or creative pieces, detailing emotions and stakes builds tension around the act. Whether describing literal movement (a soldier obeying orders) or figurative initiative (an entrepreneur launching a startup), “act” frames it as a pivotal choice or turning point.Additionally, weaving synonyms or related phrasing keeps your prose varied. Words like “move,” “step forward,” or “initiate” broaden your vocabulary. Still, “act” remains a grounded, direct term, distilling the sense of doing something purposeful or consequential. By carefully wielding “act,” you emphasize moments of transition—where individuals or groups decide and then do, driving your narrative or argument forward.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “act” often denotes that someone takes steps to change a situation, respond to information, or assume a new role. You might say, “I need to act on this job offer before it expires,” or “We should act quickly if we want those concert tickets.” Here, “act” highlights promptness and agency—you’re indicating the need to move beyond mere discussion.Casually, people also mention “acting out,” especially with kids or pets, to describe showing frustration or needs through disruptive behavior. Alternatively, you might use the phrase “put on an act” to call out insincerity—like, “He’s just putting on an act to avoid doing his chores.” Both examples show how “act” can convey both simple action and performance-like behavior.When discussing personal development—like starting a hobby or making a lifestyle change—“act” conveys a sense of self-empowerment: “I decided to act on my desire to learn guitar.” It recognizes that nothing changes without decisive follow-through. Friends might cheer you on, urging, “Just act on it!” if you’ve been hesitant about an idea. Whether describing impulsive decisions or well-planned steps, “act” fits neatly into daily chats, reminding everyone that what matters is turning intention into tangible effort.
Etymology
The word “act” has its roots in the Latin “actum,” meaning “a thing done,” derived from “agere,” which means “to drive, do, or conduct.” This Latin parentage came into Old French as “acte” and then entered Middle English, retaining much of its original implication of doing something or bringing about an outcome.Historically, “act” took on specialized meanings in fields like theater (an act in a play) and law (an official decree or document). As societies formalized governance, “act” became a legal term for statutes—reflecting a collective or authoritative deed. Meanwhile, in drama, an “act” separated story arcs and gave audiences structured intermissions.Across centuries, whether in performance, legislation, or everyday behavior, “act” has consistently highlighted both the concept and consequences of doing. The word’s classical inheritance underscores our continual focus on the shift from idea to execution, demonstrating that acts—literal or symbolic—drive human affairs. We still rely on “act” to denote decisions made, roles undertaken, and missions pursued, perpetuating the age-old notion that meaningful change requires someone, somewhere, to do something decisive.