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Enact Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enact

[ɪˈnækt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

law

To make a bill into law.

Synonyms

approve, legislate, pass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enact

Use 'enact' when describing the process of making a proposal or bill into law.

  • The government decided to enact new environmental regulations.
  • It took several months to enact the healthcare reform.
pass

Use 'pass' when a legislative body formally accepts a bill or law.

  • The Senate passed the new tax bill yesterday.
  • After much debate, they finally passed the reform act.
approve

Use 'approve' when giving formal consent or agreement, usually by someone in authority.

  • The board of directors will approve the budget next week.
  • Her application for a visa was approved quickly.
legislate

Use 'legislate' when discussing the act of creating laws, typically by a legislative body.

  • The parliament will legislate to improve worker conditions.
  • It is necessary to legislate for more rigorous safety standards.

Examples of usage

  • Congress is expected to enact the new legislation next week.
  • The president has the power to enact executive orders.
  • The city council voted to enact a new zoning ordinance.
Context #2 | Verb

perform

To perform or represent a scene, play, or role.

Synonyms

depict, perform, portray.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enact

Appropriate when referring to the act of making a law or implementing something officially.

  • The government decided to enact new regulations on data privacy.
  • The parliament will enact the new budget next week.
perform

Commonly used for carrying out an action or task, especially in the context of entertainment, sports, or tasks.

  • The musician will perform at the concert tonight.
  • He will perform the surgery early in the morning.
portray

Used when describing the representation of a character or situation, often in acting, writing, or art.

  • The actor will portray a legendary hero in the upcoming film.
  • The author accurately portrays the challenges of living in a war-torn country.
depict

Used when describing the act of representing something in art or literature.

  • The artist's painting depicts a serene countryside scene.
  • The novel depicts the struggles of a young immigrant family.

Examples of usage

  • The students will enact a Shakespearean play for the school's drama club.
  • The actors enacted the final scene with great emotion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law and Governance

  • In government, the process of enacting a law involves multiple steps, including proposal, debate, and voting.
  • Each country may have different procedures for enacting laws based on its constitution or legal framework.
  • Enacting legislation can often take months or even years, depending on the complexity and public interest.

Theatre and Performance

  • To enact a play means to act it out, bring characters to life, and perform the script.
  • Many actors study different methods of enacting to create more believable and relatable characters.
  • Enactment in drama helps convey themes and emotions, giving audiences deeper connections to the story.

Psychology

  • Cognitive theories suggest that enacting behaviors can reinforce learning, as actions help cement information.
  • Role-playing exercises in therapy often involve patients enacting different scenarios to process emotions.
  • Enacting positive behaviors can lead to improved mental health, as it encourages active participation in one's own life.

Education

  • Teachers encourage students to enact historical events during lessons to make learning more interactive.
  • Enacting roles in group projects fosters teamwork and helps students understand diverse perspectives.
  • Using drama in the classroom aids memory retention and makes complex subjects easier to grasp.

Origin of 'enact'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'enact' comes from the Latin 'enactare,' meaning 'to put into action.'
  • It entered Middle English from the Old French term 'enacter' around the late 14th century.
  • Originally, the term was closely related to the idea of performing a role or a play.

The word 'enact' originated from the Latin word 'enactus', which means 'done, performed'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century. Over the years, 'enact' has been used predominantly in legal and theatrical contexts, reflecting its dual meanings of making into law and performing.

See also: act, acting, action, actionable, activate, active, actively, activists, activity, actor, actress, acts, actual, counteractant, inactivity, overact, react, transact.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,269 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.