act

see definition of act

nounsomething done
nounlegislative document
nounpart of a performance
nounpretended behavior
verbdo something
verbbehave in a certain way
verbentertain by playing a role

Synonyms for act

noun something done

Antonyms for act

accomplishment

noun. something successfully done, completed

accomplishments

noun. something successfully done, completed

achievement

noun. something completed successfully; goal reached

achievements

noun. something completed successfully; goal reached

Word Origin & History

late 14c., "a thing done," from Old French acte "(official) document," and directly from Latin actus "a doing, a driving, impulse; a part in a play, act," and actum "a thing done," originally a legal term, both from agere "to do, set in motion, drive, urge, chase, stir up," from PIE root *ag- "to drive, draw out or forth, move" (cf. Greek agein "to lead, guide, drive, carry off," agon "assembly, contest in the games," agogos "leader;" Sanskrit ajati "drives," ajirah "moving, active;" Old Norse aka "to drive;" Middle Irish ag "battle").

Theatrical ("part of a play," 1510s) and legislative (early 15c.) senses of the word also were in Latin. Meaning "display of exaggerated behavior" is from 1928. In the act "in the process" is from 1590s, perhaps originally from the 16c. sense of the act as "sexual intercourse." Act of God "uncontrollable natural force" recorded by 1726.

Example Sentences foract

There are not many boys, or men, I think, that would have had the courage to act as you did.

He was bold enough to brave the consequences of this act, which he foresaw clearly.

On that which he fully believed, he must act, and what did he fully believe?

Within their own territory each one could act independently.

Their first act is to lower the duties on the importation of foreign cattle!

This act of justice has been unreasonably delayed in the case of some of them.

And let there be no misunderstanding—we are going to begin to act, beginning today.

To act up to our best judgments at the time, is all we can do.

When action is required to preserve our national security, we will act.

This act of aggression produced a storm of public indignation.

act