Search results for 'act':

ACT abbreviation 1 advance corporation tax. 2 Australian Capital Territory.

act noun 1 a thing done; a deed. 2 the process of doing something • caught in the act. 3 behaviour that is intended to make an impression on people and is not a sincere expression of feeling • Her shyness is just an act. 4 a a short piece of entertainment, usually one of a series in a variety show; b the person or people performing this. 5 a major division of a play, opera, etc. Compare scene¹. 6 (often Act) a formal decision reached, or a law passed, by a law-making body. 7 (Acts) formal the written proceedings of a society or committee. verb (acted, acting) 1 intrans to behave or function in a specified way • act tough • acting strangely. 2 intrans to do something; to take action • need to act fast. 3 intrans to perform in a play or film. 4 a to perform (a part) in a play or film; b) to perform (a play). 5 to play the part of someone or something • to act the fool. 6 intrans to show feelings one does not really have. actable adj. actability noun. act of God an event beyond human control, especially a natural disaster such as an earthquake. act one's age to behave appropriately for one's age. get in on the act colloq to start taking part in some profitable activity, plan, etc in order to share in the benefits. get one's act together colloq to become organized and ready for action, especially in relation to a specific undertaking.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c; late 15c as verb: from Latin actum thing done.