Dictionary
English - Spanish

Act

ækt
Extremely common
600 - 700
600 - 700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

acto, ley, actuar, hacer de cuenta

Act meanings in Spanish

acto

Example:
He performed in a play at the theater.
Él actuó en una obra de teatro.
The magician's act amazed the audience.
El acto del mago dejó asombrada a la audiencia.
Usage: formalContext: Referring to a performance or deed
Note: This is the most common translation of 'act' when referring to a performance on stage or a deed.

ley

Example:
The new act prohibits smoking in public places.
La nueva ley prohíbe fumar en lugares públicos.
The act was passed by the government last week.
La ley fue aprobada por el gobierno la semana pasada.
Usage: formalContext: Referring to a formal written law or legislation
Note: In legal contexts, 'act' can be translated as 'ley' when referring to a formal written law or legislation.

actuar

Example:
She will act in the upcoming movie.
Ella va a actuar en la próxima película.
The police had to act quickly to prevent the crime.
La policía tuvo que actuar rápidamente para evitar el crimen.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Referring to performing a role or taking action
Note: When 'act' is used as a verb meaning to perform a role or take action, it is translated as 'actuar' in Spanish.

hacer de cuenta

Example:
She acted as if nothing had happened.
Ella hizo de cuenta como si nada hubiera pasado.
Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.
No hagas de cuenta que no sabes de qué estoy hablando.
Usage: informalContext: Referring to pretending or feigning
Note: In informal contexts, 'act' can be translated as 'hacer de cuenta' when referring to pretending or feigning ignorance.

Act's synonyms

perform

To carry out a task or action, especially in a formal or public setting.
Example: She will perform in the school play tonight.
Note: Perform often implies a more planned or intentional action compared to the general term 'act'.

execute

To carry out or accomplish a task or action with precision or skill.
Example: The actor executed the scene flawlessly.
Note: Execute suggests a higher level of skill or precision in carrying out the action.

behave

To conduct oneself in a particular way, especially in terms of manners or actions.
Example: The children were told to behave during the ceremony.
Note: Behave focuses more on one's conduct or manners rather than a specific task or performance.

pretend

To act as if something is true or real, especially for amusement or to deceive.
Example: He likes to pretend he is a superhero when playing with his friends.
Note: Pretend involves acting in a way that may not reflect reality, often for play or entertainment purposes.

Act expressions, common phrases

act on

To take action based on a suggestion, idea, or information.
Example: She decided to act on the advice given by her mentor.
Note: This phrase emphasizes acting upon something, rather than just performing an action.

act out

To express one's emotions or feelings through behavior, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner.
Example: The child often acts out when she doesn't get her way.
Note: This phrase involves physically demonstrating emotions or feelings.

put on an act

To pretend or behave in a way that is not genuine, often for deceptive purposes.
Example: He pretended to be sick, but I think he was just putting on an act.
Note: This phrase implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or manipulate others.

act up

To malfunction or behave in a disruptive or unruly manner.
Example: My computer always seems to act up when I'm in a hurry.
Note: This phrase typically refers to things or systems misbehaving.

act one's age

To behave in a manner appropriate to one's chronological age.
Example: Stop fooling around and act your age!
Note: This phrase emphasizes behaving according to societal expectations of maturity.

act the fool

To behave in a silly or foolish manner, often for entertainment or attention.
Example: He loves to act the fool to make his friends laugh.
Note: This phrase suggests a deliberate choice to behave foolishly.

act of kindness

A gesture or action done with the intention of helping or benefiting others.
Example: Her act of kindness towards the homeless man touched everyone's hearts.
Note: This phrase highlights a specific action done for the purpose of showing kindness.

Act everyday (slang) expressions

Act a fool

To behave in a silly or ridiculous manner, usually for entertainment or attention.
Example: He always acts a fool at parties, making everyone laugh.
Note: While 'act a fool' contains the word 'act', it deviates from the original word as it refers to behaving foolishly rather than performing a role or pretending.

Acting brand new

To behave as if one is better or different from before, often due to a change in circumstances.
Example: She's been acting brand new since she got that promotion.
Note: This slang term plays on the idea of someone acting like a new or different person, rather than portraying a character, as in the original meaning of 'act'.

Act - Examples

She always acts quickly in emergency situations.
Ella siempre actúa rápidamente en situaciones de emergencia.
The government needs to take immediate action to address the issue.
El gobierno necesita tomar medidas inmediatas para abordar el problema.
The actor's performance in the play was outstanding.
La actuación del actor en la obra fue excepcional.

Act grammar

Act - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: act
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): acted
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): acting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): acts
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): act
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): act
Syllables, Separation and Stress
act Contains 1 syllables: act
Phonetic transcription: ˈakt
act , ˈakt (The red syllable is stressed)

Act - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
act: 600 - 700 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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