act

a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body

something that people do or cause to happen

a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet

a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program

• “he did his act three times every evening”
• “she had a catchy little routine”
• “it was one of the best numbers he ever did”

a manifestation of insincerity

• “he put on quite an act for her benefit”

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

• “think before you act”
• “We must move quickly”
• “The governor should act on the new energy bill”
• “The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel”

behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself

• “You should act like an adult”
• “Don”
• “;”
• “;”

play a role or part

• “Gielgud played Hamlet”
• “She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role”
• “She played the servant to her husband”

discharge one''s duties

• “She acts as the chair”
• “In what capacity are you acting?”

pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

• “He acted the idiot”
• “She plays deaf when the news are bad”

be suitable for theatrical performance

• “This scene acts well”

have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected

• “The voting process doesn”
• “;”
• “;”
• “t work”
• “The breaks of my new car act quickly”
• “The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water”

be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure

behave unnaturally or affectedly

• “She”

perform on a stage or theater

• “She acts in this play”
• “He acted in”
• “";”
• “A Christmas Carol”