act

¹act

noun \ˈakt\

Definition of ACT

1

a : the doing of a thing : deed b : something done voluntarily

2

: a state of real existence rather than possibility

3

: the formal product of a legislative body : statute; also : a decision or determination of a sovereign, a legislative council, or a court of justice

4

: the process of doing : action <caught in the act>

5

often capitalized : a formal record of something done or transacted

6

: one of the principal divisions of a theatrical work (as a play or opera)

7

a : one of successive parts or performances (as in a variety show or circus) b : the performer or performers in such an act c : a performance or presentation identified with a particular individual or group d : the sum of a person's actions or effects that serve to create an impression or set an example <a hard act to follow>

8

: a display of affected behavior : pretense

— into the act or in on the act

: into an undertaking or situation as an active participant

Examples of ACT

1. We were grateful for her many acts of kindness.
2. the Civil Rights Act of 1964
3. Please read act II, scene 1 of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
4. In the first act, two characters are talking in a restaurant.

Origin of ACT

Middle English, partly from Latin actus doing, act, from agere to drive, do; partly from Latin actum thing done, record, from neuter of actus, past participle of agere — more at agent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ACT

Synonyms: bit, number, routine, shtick (also schtick or shtik), turn

Related Words: signature

Near Antonyms: bluntness, candidness, candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, openheartedness, outspokenness, plainspokenness, sincerity, straightforwardness; artlessness, genuineness, naïveté (also naivete or naiveté)

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Rhymes with ACT

backed, bract, cracked, fact, packed, pact, stacked, tact, tracked, tract