Act: meaning, definitions and examples

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act

[ækt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

A formal written enactment of legislative authority, typically found in a statute, regulation, or other official document.

Synonyms

law, legislation, statute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
act	Used when referring to a law that has been officially enacted by a legislative body. Often capitalized when referring to a specific named act. The Clean Air Act was enacted to reduce air pollution. She studied the latest act passed by Congress.
law	A broad and general term used to refer to the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members. No one is above the law. She specializes in criminal law.
legislation	Used when referring to the process of making or enacting laws, or the collective set of laws and statutes. The new legislation will improve road safety. He was involved in drafting the healthcare legislation.
statute	Refers to a written law passed by a legislative body. Often used in more formal or legal contexts. The statute of limitations has expired. The state enacted a new statute to regulate data privacy.

Examples of usage

The new act passed by the government aims to reduce pollution levels in the city.
The act prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

theater

A performance or show, especially one involving a series of scenes.

Synonyms

performance, routine, show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
act	Also used as a verb, meaning to take action or behave in a certain way. You need to act quickly if you want to save the project. He always tries to act responsibly.
performance	Generally refers to the entire event where someone acts, sings, dances, etc. Often used in formal contexts and can relate to various settings like theater, work, and others. Her performance in the play was outstanding. The company’s financial performance this quarter was impressive.
show	Refers to an entertainment event such as a TV program, stage performance, or a live exhibition. Commonly used in informal contexts. We went to a magic show last night. I love this new TV show.
routine	Used to describe a sequence of actions regularly followed, often in the context of dance or gymnastics. It can also imply something that is done frequently and is seen as normal. Her gymnastics routine was flawless. He has a morning exercise routine.

Examples of usage

The actor's act in the play was praised by the critics.
The circus act featured acrobats and clowns.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

behave

To behave in a particular way; conduct oneself.

Synonyms

behave, conduct, perform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
act	Use 'act' when talking about taking action, especially in response to a situation or to play a role in a performance. He decided to act quickly to prevent the accident She will act in the school play
behave	Employ 'behave' to describe how a person acts in general or in specific situations, often relating to manners or social norms. He always behaves politely at dinner parties Children should learn how to behave properly in class
conduct	Use 'conduct' to refer to the manner in which a person manages or carries out tasks or responsibilities, often in a formal or professional context. The manager will conduct the meeting with all staff members His conduct during the interview was very professional
perform	Use 'perform' when talking about completing a task or action, or presenting an artistic or entertainment piece in front of an audience. She will perform a solo at the concert next week The doctor will perform the surgery tomorrow

Examples of usage

She always acts politely in social situations.
The child acted as if nothing had happened.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'actus,' which means 'a doing' or 'a performance.'
It appeared in English around the late 14th century, relating primarily to performance.
In legal terms, an 'act' refers to a statute or law passed by a governing body.

Theater and Performance

Acting has roots in ancient Greek theater, where performers were called 'hypokrites,' meaning 'answerer' or 'interpreter.'
Shakespeare popularized the concept of dividing plays into five acts, a structure still used today.
Professional actors often use techniques like method acting, which involves deeply embodying their character.

Psychology

Engaging in an act can influence emotional states; for example, smiling can make you feel happier.
The concept of 'acting as if' is a psychological technique that encourages individuals to adopt behaviors of desired traits.
Social role theory suggests that much of human behavior is seen as a performance based on societal expectations.

Pop Culture

Famous phrases like 'take action' encourage people to engage with social issues and make a difference.
In film, 'to act' often implies a transformation of the performer, as seen in award-winning roles.
Reality shows have blurred the lines of acting and real life, presenting 'real' moments that are often staged.

Education

In drama classes, students learn the importance of non-verbal communication, understanding that acting isn't just about lines.
Role-playing activities in schools can foster empathy and understanding through pretending to be someone else.
Theatre arts programs help develop confidence and public speaking skills in students.

Translations

Translations of the word "act" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agir

🇮🇳 कार्य करना

🇩🇪 handeln

🇮🇩 bertindak

🇺🇦 діяти

🇵🇱 działać

🇯🇵 行動する (こうどうする)

🇫🇷 agir

🇪🇸 actuar

🇹🇷 eylem yapmak

🇰🇷 행동하다

🇸🇦 يتصرف

🇨🇿 jednat

🇸🇰 konať

🇨🇳 行动 (xíngdòng)

🇸🇮 delovati

🇮🇸 aðgerða

🇰🇿 әрекет ету

🇬🇪 მოქმედება

🇦🇿 hərəkət etmək

🇲🇽 actuar

Word Frequency Rank

With position #252, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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249 want
250 various
251 due
252 act
253 next
254 yet
255 therefore
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