acts Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
   Acts of the Apostles.
   
2. noun a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
   enactment; act.
   
3. noun something that people do or cause to happen
   deed; human activity; human action; act.
   
4. noun a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
   act.
   
5. noun a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program
   turn; bit; routine; number; act.
   
   • he did his act three times every evening
   • she had a catchy little routine
   • it was one of the best numbers he ever did
6. noun a manifestation of insincerity
   act.
   
   • he put on quite an act for her benefit
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. verb discharge one's duties
    act.
    
    • She acts as the chair
    • In what capacity are you acting?
11. 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
12. verb be suitable for theatrical performance
    act.
    
    • This scene acts well
13. 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
14. verb be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
    act.
    
15. verb behave unnaturally or affectedly
    pretend; dissemble; act.
    
    • She's just acting
16. 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'

WordNet