Dictionary definition · act
noun
- 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 performance that is part of a longer program"he did his act three times every evening"
- a manifestation of insincerity"he put on quite an act for her benefit"
verb
- perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)"think before you act"
- behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself"You should act like an adult"
- play a role or part"Gielgud played Hamlet"
- discharge one's duties"She acts as the chair"
- pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind"He acted the idiot"
- 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 as well as people thought"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).