action
gb/ˈækʃən/ us/ˈækʃən/
A2
English
~ 400
intézkedés, cselekvés, lépés, akció, per, kereset, működés, járás
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
take [an/the] action
The government took swift action to control the outbreak.
A kormány gyors intézkedéseket hozott a járvány megfékezésére.
Her quick action saved the child's life.
Gyors közbelépése megmentette a gyermek életét.
We need to decide on the best course of action.
Taking legal action may be necessary in this case.
Learner examples
I took action to fix the problem.
Lépéseket tettem a probléma megoldására.
The police took action to stop the fight.
A rendőrség közbelépett, hogy véget vessen a verekedésnek.
We must take action now.
He took quick action to help her.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'action' with 'activity'; 'action' usually refers to a specific deed with purpose, while 'activity' can mean general movement or tasks.
Meaning
something done or carried out
Collocations
take action
|legal action
|course of action
|call to action
|plan of action
Synonyms
deed (More formal and often refers to a single notable act.)
|
act (Close synonym; can be more general or abstract.)
Antonyms
inaction (Refers to doing nothing or failing to act.)
Themes
daily life
|business
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Something that a person does to make something happen.
The process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
NOUN
A2
2
akció
B1
The film is full of non-stop action from start to finish.
A film elejétől a végéig tele van akcióval.
Fans love the fast-paced action of the game.
A szurkolók imádják a mérkőzés pörgős, gyors iramú játékát.
He prefers dramas over action movies.
Learner examples
The movie has a lot of action.
A filmben sok az akció.
I like games with more action.
Az olyan játékokat szeretem, amelyekben több az akció.
The football match was full of action.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'action' here with 'plot'; 'action' refers to events and movement, not necessarily the storyline.
Meaning
exciting events in entertainment or sport
Collocations
action movie
|packed with action
|non-stop action
Synonyms
excitement (Broader and can refer to emotional arousal as well as events.)
Antonyms
boredom (A lack of excitement or engaging events.)
Themes
entertainment
|sports
|arts_entertainment
Definition
Interesting or exciting things that happen in a movie, game, or sport.
Exciting events, movements, or scenes, especially in films, television, or sports.
NOUN
B2
3
Usage pattern:
bring [an] action against [someone]
They filed an action against the company for breach of contract.
Szerződésszegés miatt pert indítottak a cég ellen.
The court dismissed the action due to lack of evidence.
A bíróság bizonyítékok hiányában elutasította a keresetet.
A civil action was brought against the landlord.
Learner examples
They took legal action against him.
Pert indítottak ellene.
She started an action in court.
Pert indított a bíróságon.
The company faced a legal action.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'action' with 'law'; 'action' here is a specific case, not the whole legal system.
Meaning
legal process in court
Collocations
bring an action
|file an action
|civil action
Synonyms
lawsuit (Common legal term for a case brought to court.)
Themes
law
Definition
A case in court to decide if someone did something wrong or to solve a disagreement.
A formal process in a court of law to settle a dispute.
NOUN
B2
4
The smooth action of the gears impressed the engineer.
A fogaskerekek egyenletes járása lenyűgözte a mérnököt.
Check the action of the lever before using it.
Használat előtt ellenőrizze a kar működését.
The camera's shutter has a quick action.
Learner examples
The door has a smooth action.
Az ajtó simán jár.
The machine's action is very fast.
A gép működése nagyon gyors.
I like the quick action of this pen.
Meaning
physical movement or functioning of something
Collocations
smooth action
|trigger action
Synonyms
operation (Focuses more on the functioning process rather than the movement itself.)
Themes
technology
|science
Definition
How something works or moves.
The way in which something moves or operates mechanically or physically.
Grammar
Dictionary form
action
IPA
GB/ˈækʃən/
US/ˈækʃən/
Syllables & stress
ac - tion (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ac)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: action
- Plural: action, actions
Word family
Forms
actions
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
call to action
1/kˈɔl tə ˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
request encouraging people to act now
Something said or written to make people do something quickly.
Examples
- The speech ended with a powerful call to action.
- This ad is a clear call to action for donations.
course of action
1/kˈɔɹs əv ˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
planned series of steps to achieve goal
A plan for what to do next.
Examples
- We need to decide on the best course of action.
- Changing suppliers is our only course of action.
take action
1/tˈeɪk ˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
start doing something to achieve a result
To start doing something to make a change or solve a problem.
Examples
- We must take action now to protect the environment.
- The school took action after parents complained.
legal action
1/lˈiɡəl ˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
Process of taking a case to court
Using the law and courts to solve a problem or disagreement.
Examples
- They are threatening legal action over the contract breach.
- The company is considering legal action against its former employee.
- Legal action was taken against the driver.
- They decided to take legal action after the contract was broken.
spring into action
1/spɹˈɪŋ ˈɪntu ˈækʃən/
idiom
Start quickly and energetically
To start doing something fast and with energy.
Examples
- When the fire alarm rang, everyone sprang into action.
- As soon as the alarm sounded, the firefighters sprang into action.
- She sprang into action when she heard the baby crying.
- When she saw the mess, she sprang into action to clean it up.