HyperDic: act

English > 15 senses of the word act:
NOUNcommunicationact, enactmenta legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
Topsact, deed, human action, human activitysomething that people do or cause to happen
communicationacta subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
communicationact, routine, number, turn, bita short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program
communicationacta manifestation of insincerity
VERBsocialact, moveperform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
bodyact, behave, dobehave in a certain manner
creationact, play, representplay a role or part
competitionactdischarge one's duties
bodyact, play, act aspretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
stativeactbe suitable for theatrical performance
socialact, workhave an effect or outcome
socialactbe engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
creationact, dissemble, pretendbehave unnaturally or affectedly
creationact, play, roleplay, playactperform on a stage or theater
act > pronunciation
Soundsae'kt
Rhymesabstract ... whacked: 41 rhymes with aekt...
English > act: 15 senses > noun 1, communication
MeaningA legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body.
Synonymenactment
Categorylaw, jurisprudenceThe collection of rules imposed by authority
Narrowerdecree, edict, fiat, order, rescriptA legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
legislative act, statuteAn act passed by a legislative body
nullitySomething that is null (especially an enactment that has no legal validity)
Broaderlegal document, legal instrument, official document, instrument(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
Spanishacta, ley
Catalanacta
English > act: 15 senses > noun 2, Tops
MeaningSomething that people do or cause to happen.
Synonymsdeed, human action, human activity
Narroweracquiring, gettingThe act of acquiring something
actionSomething done (usually as opposed to something said)
activityAny specific behavior
assumptionThe act of assuming or taking for granted
causing, causationThe act of causing something to happen / happen
communication, communicatingThe activity of communicating
delivery, obstetrical deliveryThe act of delivering a child
departure, going, going away, leavingThe act of departing
derivationThe act of deriving something or obtaining something from a source or origin
discovery, find, uncoveringThe act of discovering something
disposal, dispositionThe act or means of getting rid of something
distributionThe act of distributing or spreading or apportioning
egress, egression, emergenceThe act of coming (or going) out
equalization, equalisation, levelingThe act of making equal or uniform / uniform
exhumation, disinterment, digging upThe act of digging something out of the ground (especially a corpse) where it has been buried
forfeit, forfeiture, sacrificeThe act of losing or surrendering / surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
group actionaction taken by a group of people
hindrance, hinderance, interferenceThe act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
hireThe act of hiring something or someone
implementation, effectuationThe act of implementing (providing a practical means for accomplishing something)
inactivityInactive
judgment, judgement, assessmentThe act of judging / judging / judging or assessing a person or situation or event
leaningThe act of deviating from a vertical position
legitimationThe act of rendering a person legitimate
mitzvah, mitsvah(Judaism) a good deed performed out of religious duty
motivation, motivatingThe act of motivating
nonaccomplishment, nonachievementAn act that does not achieve its intended goal
proclamation, promulgationThe formal act of proclaiming
productionThe act or process of producing something
propulsion, actuationThe act of propelling
recovery, retrievalThe act of regaining or saving something lost (or in danger of becoming lost)
rejectionThe act of rejecting something
residency, residence, abidanceThe act of dwelling in a place
running awayThe act of leaving (without permission) the place you are expected to be
speech actThe use of language to perform some act
stayContinuing or remaining in a place or state
stop, stoppageThe act of stopping something
touch, touchingThe act of putting two things together with no space between them
waste, permissive waste(law) reduction in the value of an estate caused by act or neglect
wear, wearingThe act of having on your person as a covering or adornment
BroadereventSomething that happens at a given place and time
Spanishacción humana, acción, actividad humana, acto
Catalanacció humana, acció, acte, activitat humana
Verbsactperform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
actuateput in motion or move to act
actuategive an incentive for action / action
English > act: 15 senses > noun 3, communication
MeaningA subdivision of a play or opera or ballet.
Part ofballet, concert danceA theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers
operaA drama set to music
play, drama, dramatic playA dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
PartssceneA subdivision of an act of a play
Broaderdramatic composition, dramatic workA play for performance on the stage or television or in a movie etc.
Spanishacto
Catalanacte
English > act: 15 senses > noun 4, communication
MeaningA short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program.
Example"he did his act three times every evening"
Synonymsroutine, number, turn, bit
Narrowershow-stopper, showstopper, stopperAn act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down
Broaderperformance, public presentationA dramatic or musical entertainment
Spanishacto, bit, número
Catalanacte, bit, número
Verbsactplay a role or part
actperform on a stage or theater
actbe suitable for theatrical performance
English > act: 15 senses > noun 5, communication
MeaningA manifestation of insincerity.
Example"he put on quite an act for her benefit"
Broaderexpression, manifestation, reflection, reflexionexpression without words
Spanishactuación, farsa
Verbsactpretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
actbehave unnaturally or affectedly
English > act: 15 senses > verb 1, social
MeaningPerform an action, or work out or perform (an action).
PatternSomething ----s; Somebody ----s; Somebody ----s PP
Examples
  • "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"
Synonymmove
Caused bycoerce, hale, squeeze, pressure, forceTo cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
compel, oblige, obligateForce somebody to do something
directBe in charge of
incite, instigate, set off, stir upProvoke or stir ... / stir up
Narroweract onregulate one's behavior in accordance with certain information, ideas, or advice
alternate, take turnsDo something in turns
antagonize, antagonise, counteractact in opposition to
anticipate, foresee, forestall, counterAct in advance of
attack, aggressTake the initiative and go on the offensive
begin, startBegin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object
behave, comportBehave well or properly
behave, acquit, bear, deport, conduct, comport, carryBehave in a certain manner
coactact together, as of organisms
come closenearly do something
come to the fore, step forward, come forward, step up, step to the fore, come outmake oneself visible
condescend, deign, descendDo something that one considers to be below one's dignity
condescendBehave in a patronizing and condescending manner
condescend, stoop, lower oneselfdebase oneself morally, act in an undignified, unworthy, or dishonorable way
continue, go on, proceed, go along, keepContinue a certain state, condition, or activity
continueContinue after an interruption / interruption
continue, persist inDo something repeatedly and showing no intention to stop
cope, get by, make out, make do, contend, grapple, deal, manageCome to terms with
courtEngage in social activities leading to marriage
createpursue a creative activity
dally, toy, play, flirtBehave carelessly or indifferently
dareTo be courageous enough to try or do something
dealTake action with respect to (someone or something)
dispatchdispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently
do well, had bestAct in one's own or everybody's best interest
effectact so as to bring into existence
egotripAct in a way that attracts attention
evadePractice evasion
exertmake a great effort at a mental or physical task
finish up, land up, fetch up, end up, wind up, finishfinally be or do something
forceDo forcibly
get around toDo something despite obstacles such as lack of time
go, proceed, moveFollow a procedure or take a course
go ahead, plow aheadproceed (with a plan of action)
go off half-cocked, go off at half-cockAct prematurely or without reflection or too soon
guardTake precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
interactAct together or towards others or with others
interrupt, disturbDestroy the peace or tranquility of
lord it over, queen it over, put on airs, act superiorAct like the master of
make a point, make suremake a point of doing something
make bold, dare, presumeTake upon oneself
maneuver, manoeuver, manoeuvreAct in order to achieve a certain goal / goal
misbehave, misconduct, misdemeanBehave badly
participate, take partShare in something
partneract as a partner
performPerform a function
perpetrate, commit, pullPerform an act, usually with a negative connotation
playBehave in a certain way
playAct or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
play it by eardecide on one's actions as one goes along, depending on the situation
prosecuteConduct a prosecution in a court of law
prosecute, engage, pursuecarry out or participate in an activity
raceTo work as fast as possible towards a goal, sometimes in competition with others
rampageAct violently, recklessly, or destructively
react, respondshow a response or a reaction to something
react, opposeact against or in opposition to
reciprocateAct, feel, or give mutually or in return
repeat, take overDo over
reward, repay, pay backAct or give recompense in recognition of someone's behavior or actions
rush, hasten, hurry, look sharp, festinateAct or move at high speed
satisfice, satisfisedecide on and pursue a course of action satisfying the minimum requirements to achieve a goal
set about, go about, approachBegin to deal with
sneakput, bring, or take in a secretive or furtive manner
stampedeAct, usually en masse, hurriedly or on an impulse
surprisecome upon or take unawares
takecarry out
take careBe careful, prudent, or watchful
take time by the forelockAct quickly and decisively
try, seek, attempt, essay, assaymake an effort or attempt
useHabitually do something (use only in the past tense)
volunteer, offeragree / agree freely
wait, hold off, hold backwait before acting
woo, court, romance, solicitmake amorous advances towards
See alsoact oncarry further or advance
act upmisbehave badly
act uponhave and exert influence or effect
Oppositerefrain, forbearResist doing something
Spanishactuar, hacer, llevar a cabo, obrar
Catalanactuar, fer
Nounsactsomething that people do or cause to happen
actionsomething done (usually as opposed to something said)
actionthe state of being active
English > act: 15 senses > verb 2, body
MeaningBehave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself.
PatternSomebody ----s; Somebody ----s Adjective
Examples
  • "You should act like an adult"
  • "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people"
Synonymsbehave, do
Narroweract, play, act aspretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
act involuntarily, act reflexivelyAct in an uncontrolled manner
backslapDisplay excessive cordiality (towards)
break down, lose it, snapLose control of one's emotions
bunglespoil by behaving clumsily or foolishly
dally, dawdleWaste time
fall over backwards, bend over backwardstry very hard to please someone
followAccept and follow the leadership or command or guidance of
footleact foolishly, as by talking / talking nonsense
freezeSuddenly behave coldly and formally
frivol, trifleAct frivolously
hugger muggerAct stealthily or secretively
joke, jestAct in a funny or teasing way
makeBehave in a certain way
makeact in a certain way so as to acquire
make as ifBegin or appear to begin an action
menaceAct in a threatening manner
optimize, optimiseact as an optimist and take a sunny view of the world
piffleAct in a trivial or ineffective way
play, toyEngage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
presumeTake liberties or act with too much confidence
quackact as a medical quack or a charlatan
ramp, rage, stormBehave violently, as if in state of a great anger
relax, loosen upBecome less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner
romanticizeAct in a romantic / romantic way
sauceBehave saucily or impudently towards
sentimentalise, sentimentalize, sentimentize, sentimentiseAct in a sentimental way or indulge in sentimental thoughts or expression
stoogeact as a stooge, in a compliant or subordinate manner
swagger, bluster, swashAct in an arrogant, overly self-assured, or conceited manner
swell, puff upBecome filled with pride, arrogance, or anger
vulgarize, vulgariseAct in a vulgar manner
wantonBehave extremely cruelly and brutally
See alsoact upmake itself felt as a recurring pain
Similar toact, play, act aspretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
dissemble, pretend, actBehave unnaturally or affectedly
Spanishactuar, comportarse, comportar, comprtarse, hacer, obrar, portarse, portar
Catalanactuar, comportar-se, comportar, fer, obrar, portar
English > act: 15 senses > verb 3, creation
MeaningPlay a role or part.
PatternSomebody ----s; Somebody ----s something; Somebody ----s somebody
Example "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"
Synonymsplay, represent
Categoryperforming artsarts or skills that require public performance
Entailed byenterCome on stage
Narroweract outrepresent an incident, state, or emotion by action, especially on stage
emoteGive expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
enact, reenact, act outact out
impersonate, portrayassume or act the character of
make, pretend, make believerepresent fictitiously, as in a play, or pretend to be or act like
parodymake a spoof of or make fun of
supportPlay a subordinate role to (another performer)
Broaderre-createcreate anew
Similar toact, play, act aspretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
act, play, roleplay, playactPerform on a stage or theater
playpretend to be somebody in the framework of a game / game or playful activity
Spanishinterpretar, jugar, representar, tocar
Catalanjugar, representar, tocar
Adjectivesactablecapable of being acted
Nounsacta short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program
actingthe performance of a part or role in a drama
actora theatrical performer
English > act: 15 senses > verb 4, competition
MeaningDischarge one's duties.
PatternSomebody ----s PP
Examples
  • "She acts as the chair"
  • "In what capacity are you acting?"
Narrowerbankact as the banker in a game / game or in gambling
criticize, criticiseact as a critic / critic
BroaderserveDo duty or hold offices
Spanishactuar
Catalanactuar
Nounsactora person who acts and gets things done
English > act: 15 senses > verb 5, body
Meaningpretend to have certain qualities or state of mind.
PatternSomebody ----s somebody
Example"He acted the idiot"
Synonymsplay, act as
Broaderact, behave, doBehave in a certain manner
Similar toact, behave, doBehave in a certain manner
act, play, representPlay a role or part
Spanishcomportarse, hacer ver, simular
Catalanfer veure, portar-se, simular
Nounsacta manifestation of insincerity
English > act: 15 senses > verb 6, stative
MeaningBe suitable for theatrical performance.
PatternSomething ----s Adjective/Noun
Example"This scene acts well"
BroaderbeHave the quality of being
Similar toact, play, roleplay, playactPerform on a stage or theater
Adjectivesactablecapable of being acted
Nounsacta short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program
actingthe performance of a part or role in a drama
English > act: 15 senses > verb 7, social
MeaningHave an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected.
PatternSomething ----s; Something is ----ing PP
Examples
  • "How does your idea work in practice?"
  • "The breaks of my new car act quickly"
Synonymwork
Broadersucceed, win, come through, bring home the bacon, deliver the goodsattain success or reach a desired goal / goal
Similar tobring, work, play, wreak, make forCause to happen / happen or to occur as a consequence
Spanishfuncionar
Catalanfuncionar
English > act: 15 senses > verb 8, social
MeaningBe engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure.
PatternSomebody ----s
Narrowerdrive aroundDrive without any particular aim
playBe at play
walk aroundwalk randomly
Nounsactionthe state of being active
English > act: 15 senses > verb 9, creation
MeaningBehave unnaturally or affectedly.
PatternSomebody ----s; Somebody ----s something
Example"She's just acting"
Synonymsdissemble, pretend
Narrowersimulate, assume, sham, feignmake a pretence of
Similar toact, behave, doBehave in a certain manner
Spanishactuar, dissimular, fingir
Catalanactuar, dissimular
Nounsacta manifestation of insincerity
English > act: 15 senses > verb 10, creation
MeaningPerform on a stage or theater.
PatternSomebody ----s
Examples
  • "She acts in this play"
  • "He acted in 'Julius Caesar'"
Synonymsplay, roleplay, playact
Categorydramaturgy, dramatic art, dramatics, theater, theatreThe art of writing and producing plays
Narrowermime, pantomimeact out without words but with gestures and bodily movements only
overact, ham it up, ham, overplayexaggerate one's acting
stoogeact as the stooge
underact, underplayAct (a role) with great restraint
BroaderperformGive a performance (of something)
Similar toact, play, representPlay a role or part
actBe suitable for theatrical performance
playPerform on a certain location
playBe performed or presented for public viewing
Spanishactuar, interpretar, jugar, representar, tocar
Catalanactuar, interpretar, jugar, representar, tocar
Adjectivesactablecapable of being acted
Nounsacta short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program
actingthe performance of a part or role in a drama
actora theatrical performer

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