Dictionary monolingual
English
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.
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.
Act -
to perform a specific action or behave in a particular way
Example: She acted surprised when he walked in.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, theater, film
Note: Commonly used in acting and performance contexts.
to take action or do something for a specific purpose
Example: The government acted quickly to address the crisis.
Usage: formalContext: politics, business
Note: Often used in formal discussions and reports.
a single piece of a play, movie, or TV show
Example: The opening act of the play was captivating.
Usage: formalContext: theater, entertainment industry
Note: Refers to a segment of a performance.
to pretend or feign a particular emotion or behavior
Example: He acted like he didn't care, but I could tell he was upset.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: Commonly used in informal language to describe pretending.
a formal decision made by a legislative body or authority
Example: The act was passed by a majority vote.
Usage: formalContext: legal, governmental
Note: Refers to a formal decision or law.
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.
The government needs to take immediate action to address the issue.
The actor's performance in the play was outstanding.
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.
...