acting Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the performance of a part or role in a drama
   performing; playacting; playing.
   
2. verb perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
   move; act.
   
   • think before you act
   • We must move quickly
   • The governor should act on the new energy bill
   • The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel
3. verb behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
   do; behave; act.
   
   • You should act like an adult
   • Don't behave like a fool
   • What makes her do this way?
   • The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people
4. verb play a role or part
   represent; play; act.
   
   • Gielgud played Hamlet
   • She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
   • She played the servant to her husband's master
5. verb discharge one's duties
   act.
   
   • She acts as the chair
   • In what capacity are you acting?
6. verb pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
   play; act as; act.
   
   • He acted the idiot
   • She plays deaf when the news are bad
7. verb be suitable for theatrical performance
   act.
   
   • This scene acts well
8. verb have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected
   work; act.
   
   • The voting process doesn't work as well as people thought
   • How does your idea work in practice?
   • This method doesn't work
   • The breaks of my new car act quickly
   • The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water
9. verb be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
   act.
   
10. verb behave unnaturally or affectedly
    pretend; dissemble; act.
    
    • She's just acting
11. verb perform on a stage or theater
    play; playact; roleplay; act.
    
    • She acts in this play
    • He acted in `Julius Caesar'
    • I played in `A Christmas Carol'
12. adjective satellite serving temporarily especially as a substitute
    
    • the acting president

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