act
Do something intentionally
To do something for a reason or because of a situation.
to act [in a way]
- You need to act quickly if you want to help.
- The government must act to protect the environment.
- She acted without thinking about the consequences.
- We should act responsibly during emergencies.
- I must act now to help.
- He acted to stop the fire.
- They act when they see danger.
- We should act to save the animals.
Perform as a character
To play a role in a movie, TV show, or play.
to act [as/like a character]
- He acted in several blockbuster films.
- She is acting in a new stage production.
- They acted out the scene beautifully.
- I want to act in movies.
- She acts on the stage every week.
- He acts as the main hero.
Law made by government
A law made by the government and written down officially.
- The Act was passed by Parliament last year.
- This is illegal under the new Act.
- The Act protects workers’ rights.
- The Act says we must wear seat belts.
- This Act helps poor families.
- The Act is new this year.
Single deed or action
One thing that a person does, often judged as good or bad.
- It was an act of great bravery.
- Stealing is a criminal act.
- Helping her was an act of kindness.
- It was an act of love.
- That was a bad act.
- He did an act of kindness.
Part of a play or show
A main part of a play or show, usually with several scenes.
- The first act ends with a dramatic scene.
- There are three acts in this play.
- The second act is my favorite.
- The first act was very short.
- Act two is funny.
- The last act made me cry.
- Base: act
- 3rd Person Singular: acts
- Present Participle: acting
- Past: acted
act on
1Take action based on advice/info
To do something because of advice, information, or instructions you got.
- The police acted on the tip they received.
- She is acting on her doctor’s advice.
act out
1Perform or express through actions
To show something by acting it like in a play, or to show feelings by behaving badly instead of talking about them.
- The students acted out the story in class.
- He’s been acting out since his parents divorced.
act up
1Misbehave or malfunction
To not work properly or to behave badly.
- My car is acting up again and won’t start.
- The children started acting up during dinner.
catch someone in the act
1See someone doing wrong thing
To see someone doing something bad or illegal at the moment it happens.
- The police caught him in the act of stealing the car.
- I caught her in the act of cheating on the test.
get your act together
1Organize and improve behavior/work
To become organized and start working well or behaving correctly.
- If you want to pass the exam, you need to get your act together.
- He finally got his act together and found a job.