act

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program

   The troupe did their act three times every evening.

2. 2
   noun

   a manifestation of insincerity

   They put on quite an act for your benefit.

3. 3
   verb

   to behave in a certain manner

   Stop acting like a dunce.

4. 4
   verb

   to pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

   We acted the idiot.

5. 5
   verb

   to discharge one's duties

   They acted as the chair for the duration of the meeting.

6. 6
   verb

   to play a role or part

   I am acting in the play all week.

7. 7
   verb

   to perform on a stage or theater

   We act in this play.

8. 8
   verb

   to behave unnaturally or affectedly

   You're just acting.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-eti Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Latin ācta Old French actbor. Middle English acte English act From Middle English acte, from Old French acte, from Latin ācta (“register of events”), plural of āctum (“decree, law”), from agere (“to do, to act”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti. Compare German Akte (“file”). Partially displaced deed, from Old English dǣd (“act, deed”).