ACT 1
(ā′sē-tē′) A trademark for a standardized college entrance examination.
ACT 2
abbr.
Australian Capital Territory
act
(ăkt)n.
1. The process of doing or performing something: the act of thinking.
2.
a. Something done or performed; a deed: a charitable act.
b. Law Something done that has legal significance: a criminal act.
3. A statute or other law formally adopted by a legislative body: an act of Congress.
4. A formal written record of proceedings or transactions.
5. One of the major divisions of a play, opera, or film.
6.
a. A performance or entertainment usually forming part of a longer presentation: a juggling act; a magic act.
b. The actor or actors presenting such a performance: joined the act in Phoenix.
7. A manifestation of intentional or unintentional insincerity; a pose: put on an act.
v. act·ed, act·ing, acts
v.tr.
1. To play the part of; assume the dramatic role of: She plans to act Ophelia in summer stock.
2. To perform (a role) on the stage: act the part of the villain.
3.
a. To behave like or pose as; impersonate: Don't act the fool.
b. To behave in a manner suitable for: Act your age.
v.intr.
Phrasal Verbs: 1. To behave or comport oneself: She acts like a born leader.
2. To perform in a dramatic role or roles.
3. To be suitable for theatrical performance: This scene acts well.
4. To behave affectedly or unnaturally; pretend.
5. To appear or seem to be: The dog acted ferocious.
6. To carry out an action: We acted immediately. The governor has not yet acted on the bill.
7. To operate or function in a specific way: His mind acts quickly.
8. To serve or function as a substitute for another: A coin can act as a screwdriver.
9. To produce an effect: waited five minutes for the anesthetic to act.
act out
1. To perform in or as if in a play; represent dramatically: act out a story.
2. To realize in action: wanted to act out his theory.
3. To engage in socially inappropriate or impulsive behavior as a manifestation of psychological or emotional pain or turmoil.
act up
Idioms: 1. To misbehave.
2. To malfunction.
3. Informal To become active or troublesome after a period of quiescence: My left knee acts up in damp weather. Her arthritis is acting up again.
be in on the act
To be included in an activity.
clean up (one's) act Slang
To improve one's behavior or performance.
get into the act
To insert oneself into an ongoing activity, project, or situation.
get (one's) act together Slang
To get organized.
[Middle English, from Old French acte, from Latin āctus, a doing, and āctum, a thing done, both from past participle of agere, to drive, do; see ag- in Indo-European roots.]
ac′ta·bil′i·ty n.
act′a·ble adj.
Usage Note: Act and action both mean "a deed" and "the process of doing." However, other senses of act, such as "a decision made by a legislative body" and of action, such as "habitual or vigorous activity" show that act tends to refer to a deed while action tends to refer to the process of doing. Thus, people engage in sex acts but not sex actions. By the same token, one may want a piece of the action, but not a piece of the act. The demands of meaning or idiom often require one word or the other. In some cases, either can be used: my act (or action) was premature.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
act
(ækt)n
1. something done or performed; a deed
2. the performance of some physical or mental process; action
3. (Law) (capital when part of a name) the formally codified result of deliberation by a legislative body; a law, edict, decree, statute, etc
4. (Law) (often plural) a formal written record of transactions, proceedings, etc, as of a society, committee, or legislative body
5. (Theatre) a major division of a dramatic work
6. (Theatre)
a. a short performance of skill, a comic sketch, dance, etc, esp one that is part of a programme of light entertainment
b. those giving such a performance
7. an assumed attitude or pose, esp one intended to impress
8. (Philosophy) philosophy an occurrence effected by the volition of a human agent, usually opposed at least as regards its explanation to one which is causally determined. Compare event4
vb
9. (intr) to do something; carry out an action
10. (intr) to function in a specified way; operate; react: his mind acted quickly.
11. (Theatre) to perform (a part or role) in a play, etc
12. (Theatre) (tr) to present (a play, etc) on stage
13. (intr; usually foll by for or as) to be a substitute (for); function in place (of)
14. (foll by: as) to serve the function or purpose (of): the glass acted as protection.
15. (intr) to conduct oneself or behave (as if one were): she usually acts like a lady.
16. (intr) to behave in an unnatural or affected way
17. (copula) to pose as; play the part of: to act the fool.
18. (copula) to behave in a manner appropriate to (esp in the phrase act one's age)
19. (copula) not standard to seem or pretend to be: to act tired.
20. clean up one's act to start to behave in a responsible manner
21. get in on the act informal to become involved in a profitable undertaking or advantageous situation in order to share in the benefits
22. get one's act together informal to become organized or prepared
[C14: from Latin actus a doing, performance, and actum a thing done, from the past participle of agere to do]
ˈactable adj
ˌactaˈbility n
ACT
abbreviation for
1. (Placename) Australian Capital Territory
2. (Accounting & Book-keeping) (formerly in Britain) advance corporation tax
ACT
(ækt)n acronym for
(Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in New Zealand) Association of Consumers and Taxpayers: a small political party of the right
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
act
(ækt)n.
1. anything done, being done, or to be done; deed: an act of mercy.
2. the process of doing: caught in the act.
3. a formal decision, law, or the like, by a legislature, ruler, court, or other authority; decree or edict; statute: an act of Congress.
4. an instrument or document stating something done or transacted.
5. one of the main divisions of a play or opera.
6.
a. a short performance by one or more entertainers, usu. part of a variety show, circus, etc.
b. the routine or style by which an entertainer or group of entertainers is known: a magic act.
c. the personnel of such a group.
7. a display of insincere behavior assumed for effect; pretense.
v.i. 8. to do something; carry out an action; exert energy or force.
9. to reach or issue a decision on some matter.
10. to operate or function in a particular way: to act as manager.
11. to produce an effect: The medicine failed to act.
12. to behave or conduct oneself in a particular fashion.
13. to pretend; feign.
14. to perform as an actor.
15. to be capable of being performed: His plays don't act well.
v.t. 16. to represent (a fictitious or historical character) with one's person: to act Macbeth.
17. to feign; counterfeit: to act outraged virtue.
18. to behave as: to act the fool.
19. to behave in a manner appropriate to: to act one's age.
20. Obs. to actuate.
21. act for, to represent, esp. legally.
22. act on or upon,
a. to act in accordance with; follow.
b. to have an effect on; affect.
23. act out,
a. to illustrate by pantomime or other gestures.
b. to express (repressed emotions) inappropriately and without conscious understanding.
24. act up,
Idioms: a. to fail to function properly; malfunction.
b. to behave willfully.
c. (of a recurring ailment) to become painful or troublesome again.
1. clean up one's act, Informal. to begin adhering to more acceptable rules of behavior.
2. get or have one's act together,Informal. to behave or function responsibly and efficiently.
[1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French) < Latin ācta, pl. of āctum, n. use of neuter past participle of agere to drive (cattle), do, perform]
ACT
1. American College Test.
2. Australian Capital Territory.
act.
active.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
act
Past participle: acted
Gerund: acting
| Imperative |
|---|
| act |
| act |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  act - a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative bodylegal document, legal instrument, official document, instrument - (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right nullity - something that is null (especially an enactment that has no legal validity) decree, fiat, edict, rescript, order - a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge); "a friend in New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out there" legislative act, statute - an act passed by a legislative body law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order" |
| 2. |  act - something that people do or cause to happenevent - something that happens at a given place and time action - something done (usually as opposed to something said); "there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions" acquiring, getting - the act of acquiring something; "I envied his talent for acquiring"; "he's much more interested in the getting than in the giving" obstetrical delivery, delivery - the act of delivering a child disposition, disposal - the act or means of getting rid of something effectuation, implementation - the act of implementing (providing a practical means for accomplishing something); carrying into effect digging up, disinterment, exhumation - the act of digging something out of the ground (especially a corpse) where it has been buried actuation, propulsion - the act of propelling running away - the act of leaving (without permission) the place you are expected to be touching, touch - the act of putting two things together with no space between them; "at his touch the room filled with lights" nonaccomplishment, nonachievement - an act that does not achieve its intended goal leaning - the act of deviating from a vertical position motivating, motivation - the act of motivating; providing incentive assumption - the act of assuming or taking for granted; "your assumption that I would agree was unwarranted" rejection - the act of rejecting something; "his proposals were met with rejection" sacrifice, forfeit, forfeiture - the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc. derivation - the act of deriving something or obtaining something from a source or origin activity - any specific behavior; "they avoided all recreational activity" hire - the act of hiring something or someone; "he signed up for a week's car hire" wearing, wear - the act of having on your person as a covering or adornment; "she bought it for everyday wear" judgment, assessment, judgement - the act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event; "they criticized my judgment of the contestants" production - the act or process of producing something; "Shakespeare's production of poetry was enormous"; "the production of white blood cells" stay - continuing or remaining in a place or state; "they had a nice stay in Paris"; "a lengthy hospital stay"; "a four-month stay in bankruptcy court" inactivity - being inactive; being less active stop, stoppage - the act of stopping something; "the third baseman made some remarkable stops"; "his stoppage of the flow resulted in a flood" group action - action taken by a group of people distribution - the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning legitimation - the act of rendering a person legitimate; "he has filial rights because he obtained letters of legitimation from the king"; "his parents' subsequent marriage resulted in his legitimation" permissive waste, waste - (law) reduction in the value of an estate caused by act or neglect proclamation, promulgation - the formal act of proclaiming; giving public notice; "his promulgation of the policy proved to be premature" communicating, communication - the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information; "they could not act without official communication from Moscow" speech act - the use of language to perform some act | |
| 3. |  act - a subdivision of a play or opera or balletballet, concert dance - a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers dramatic composition, dramatic work - a play for performance on the stage or television or in a movie etc. drama, dramatic play, play - a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage; "he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway" scene - a subdivision of an act of a play; "the first act has three scenes" opera - a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes | |
| 4. |  act - a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program; "he did his act three times every evening"; "she had a catchy little routine"; "it was one of the best numbers he ever did"performance, public presentation - a dramatic or musical entertainment; "they listened to ten different performances"; "the play ran for 100 performances"; "the frequent performances of the symphony testify to its popularity" showstopper, show-stopper, stopper - an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down | |
| 5. |  act - a manifestation of insincerity; "he put on quite an act for her benefit"expression, reflexion, reflection, manifestation - expression without words; "tears are an expression of grief"; "the pulse is a reflection of the heart's condition" | |
| Verb | 1. |  act - perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); "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"take turns, alternate - do something in turns; "We take turns on the night shift" end up, fetch up, wind up, finish, finish up, land up - finally be or do something; "He ended up marrying his high school sweetheart"; "he wound up being unemployed and living at home again" festinate, hasten, look sharp, hurry, rush - act or move at high speed; "We have to rush!"; "hurry--it's late!" go ahead, plow ahead - proceed (with a plan of action); "He went ahead with the project" aggress, attack - take the initiative and go on the offensive; "The Serbs attacked the village at night"; "The visiting team started to attack" force - do forcibly; exert force; "Don't force it!" create - pursue a creative activity; be engaged in a creative activity; "Don't disturb him--he is creating" come to the fore, step forward, step to the fore, come forward, step up, come out - make oneself visible; take action; "Young people should step to the fore and help their peers" satisfice, satisfise - decide on and pursue a course of action satisfying the minimum requirements to achieve a goal; "optimization requires processes that are more complex than those needed to merely satisfice" manoeuver, manoeuvre, maneuver - act in order to achieve a certain goal; "He maneuvered to get the chairmanship"; "She maneuvered herself into the directorship" dispatch - dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently; "He dispatched the task he was assigned" evade - practice evasion; "This man always hesitates and evades" use - habitually do something (use only in the past tense); "She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally"; "I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall"; "They used to vacation in the Bahamas" play it by ear - decide on one's actions as one goes along, depending on the situation; "She didn't know what to expect from her new job, so she played it by ear" play - act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome; "This factor played only a minor part in his decision"; "This development played into her hands"; "I played no role in your dismissal" deal - take action with respect to (someone or something); "How are we going to deal with this problem?"; "The teacher knew how to deal with these lazy students" partner - act as a partner; "Astaire partnered Rogers" exert - make a great effort at a mental or physical task; "exert oneself" egotrip - act in a way that attracts attention; "This teacher always egotrips and the students don't like him" reciprocate - act, feel, or give mutually or in return; "We always invite the neighbors and they never reciprocate!" go, proceed, move - follow a procedure or take a course; "We should go farther in this matter"; "She went through a lot of trouble"; "go about the world in a certain manner"; "Messages must go through diplomatic channels" come close - nearly do something; "She came close to quitting her job" perform - perform a function; "Who will perform the wedding?" dare, make bold, presume - take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission; "How dare you call my lawyer?" engage, pursue, prosecute - carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in; "She pursued many activities"; "They engaged in a discussion" act on - regulate one's behavior in accordance with certain information, ideas, or advice; "The Founding Fathers acted on certain moral principles" interact - act together or towards others or with others; "He should interact more with his colleagues" take time by the forelock - act quickly and decisively; not let slip an opportunity coact - act together, as of organisms volunteer, offer - agree freely; "She volunteered to drive the old lady home"; "I offered to help with the dishes but the hostess would not hear of it" get around to - do something despite obstacles such as lack of time; "He finally got around to painting the windows" dally, toy, flirt, play - behave carelessly or indifferently; "Play about with a young girl's affection" go about, set about, approach - begin to deal with; "approach a task"; "go about a difficult problem"; "approach a new project" participate, take part - share in something |
| 2. |  act - behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself; "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"act involuntarily, act reflexively - act in an uncontrolled manner bend over backwards, fall over backwards - try very hard to please someone; "She falls over backwards when she sees her mother-in-law" presume - take liberties or act with too much confidence quack - act as a medical quack or a charlatan menace - act in a threatening manner; "A menacing person" make - act in a certain way so as to acquire; "make friends"; "make enemies" freeze - suddenly behave coldly and formally; "She froze when she saw her ex-husband" wanton - behave extremely cruelly and brutally romanticize - act in a romantic way sentimentise, sentimentize, sentimentalise, sentimentalize - act in a sentimental way or indulge in sentimental thoughts or expression bungle - spoil by behaving clumsily or foolishly; "I bungled it!" toy, play - engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously; "They played games on their opponents"; "play the stock market"; "play with her feelings"; "toy with an idea" act as, act, play - pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad" stooge - act as a stooge, in a compliant or subordinate manner; "He stooged for the flamboyant Senator" piffle - act in a trivial or ineffective way make - behave in a certain way; "make merry" make as if - begin or appear to begin an action; "He made as if to shake my hand" lose it, break down, snap - lose control of one's emotions; "When she heard that she had not passed the exam, she lost it completely"; "When her baby died, she snapped" backslap - display excessive cordiality (towards); "he is always backslapping his colleagues at staff meetings" hugger mugger - act stealthily or secretively sauce - behave saucily or impudently towards footle - act foolishly, as by talking nonsense swell, puff up - become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger; "The mother was swelling with importance when she spoke of her son" follow - accept and follow the leadership or command or guidance of; "Let's follow our great helmsman!"; "She followed a guru for years" loosen up, relax - become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner; "our new colleague relaxed when he saw that we were a friendly group" act up - make itself felt as a recurring pain; "My arthritis is acting up again" | |
| 3. |  act - play a role or part; "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"performing arts - arts or skills that require public performance act as, act, play - pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad" make believe, pretend, make - represent fictitiously, as in a play, or pretend to be or act like; "She makes like an actress" re-create - create anew; "Re-create the boom of the West on a small scale" playact, roleplay, act, play - perform on a stage or theater; "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'" support - play a subordinate role to (another performer); "Olivier supported Gielgud beautifully in the second act" play - pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity; "Let's play like I am mommy"; "Play cowboy and Indians" act out, enact, reenact - act out; represent or perform as if in a play; "She reenacted what had happened earlier that day" act out - represent an incident, state, or emotion by action, especially on stage; "She could act neurotic anxiety" impersonate, portray - assume or act the character of; "She impersonates Madonna"; "The actor portrays an elderly, lonely man" parody - make a spoof of or make fun of emote - give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role | |
| 4. |  act - discharge one's duties; "She acts as the chair"; "In what capacity are you acting?"serve - do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function; "He served as head of the department for three years"; "She served in Congress for two terms" bank - act as the banker in a game or in gambling | |
| 5. |  act - pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad" | |
| 6. |  act - be suitable for theatrical performance; "This scene acts well"playact, roleplay, act, play - perform on a stage or theater; "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'" be - have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun); "John is rich"; "This is not a good answer" | |
| 7. |  act - have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected; "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"make for, wreak, bring, work, play - cause to happen or to occur as a consequence; "I cannot work a miracle"; "wreak havoc"; "bring comments"; "play a joke"; "The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area" bring home the bacon, deliver the goods, succeed, win, come through - attain success or reach a desired goal; "The enterprise succeeded"; "We succeeded in getting tickets to the show"; "she struggled to overcome her handicap and won" | |
| 8. |  act - be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasureplay - be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children; "The kids were playing outside all day"; "I used to play with trucks as a little girl" drive around - drive without any particular aim; "we were driving around in the countryside on a fine Sunday morning" walk around - walk randomly; "We were walking around in the neighborhood to see whether we could find an open drugstore" | |
| 9. |  act - behave unnaturally or affectedly; "She's just acting" | |
| 10. |  act - perform on a stage or theater; "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'"perform - give a performance (of something); "Horowitz is performing at Carnegie Hall tonight"; "We performed a popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera" play - perform on a certain location; "The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16"; "She has been playing on Broadway for years" play - be performed or presented for public viewing; "What's playing in the local movie theater?"; "`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years" act, play, represent - play a role or part; "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" stooge - act as the stooge; "His role was to stooge for the popular comedian" pantomime, mime - act out without words but with gestures and bodily movements only; "The acting students mimed eating an apple" act - be suitable for theatrical performance; "This scene acts well" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
act
verb
1. do something, perform, move, function, go about, conduct yourself, undertake something I have no reason to doubt that the bank acted properly.
2. behave, react, go about, acquit yourself, bear yourself, comport yourself a gang of youths who were acting suspiciously
3. work, serve, operate, function, be employed, do business, have a job, earn a living He acted as both ship's surgeon and as chaplain to the men.
4. play, seem to be, pose as, pretend to be, posture as, imitate, sham, feign, characterize, enact, personify, impersonate, play the part of They were just acting tough.
5. perform, be an actor, be an actress, tread the boards (informal), mimic, mime She told her parents of her desire to act.
noun
1. deed, action, step, performance, operation, doing, move, blow, achievement, stroke, undertaking, exploit, execution, feat, accomplishment, exertion My insurance covers acts of sabotage.
2. pretence, show, front, performance, display, attitude, pose, stance, fake, posture, façade, sham, veneer, counterfeit, feigning, affectation, dissimulation His anger was real. It wasn't just an act.
3. law, bill, measure, resolution, decree, statute, ordinance, enactment, edict an Act of Parliament
4. performance, show, turn, production, routine, presentation, gig (informal), sketch Numerous bands are playing, as well as comedy acts.
act for someone stand in for, serve, represent, replace, substitute for, cover for, take the place of, fill in for, deputize for, function in place of Because we travel so much, we asked a broker to act for us.
act on or upon something
1. obey, follow, carry out, observe, embrace, execute, comply with, heed, conform to, adhere to, abide by, yield to, act upon, be ruled by, act in accordance with, do what is expected A patient will usually listen to the doctor's advice and act on it.
2. affect, change, influence, impact, transform, alter, modify The drug acts very fast on the central nervous system.
act up
1. misbehave, carry on, cause trouble, mess about, be naughty, horse around (informal), give trouble, piss about (taboo slang), piss around (taboo slang), give someone grief (Brit. & S. African), give bother I could hear him acting up downstairs.
2. malfunction, go wrong, break down, be faulty, stop, stop working, conk out (informal), go phut (informal), pack up (informal), play up (Brit. informal) The machine was acting up again.
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
act
noun1. The process of doing:
3. The formal product of a legislative or judicial body:
5. A display of insincere behavior:
1. To conduct oneself in a specified way:
2. To behave affectedly or insincerely or take on a false or misleading appearance of:
act up
1. To behave in a rowdy, improper, or unruly fashion:
Informal: cut up, horse around.
2. To work improperly due to mechanical difficulties:
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
čindějstvíhrátjednatkonat
handlespillehandlingoptrædeagere
agiaktori
näytellätekotoimiavaikuttaanäytös
činčinitiglumiti
eljátszikfelvonás
aîhafast, geraathöfnhegîa sérleikaleikòáttur
演じる行動する行為
연기하다행동행동하다
aktoriusapsimestibedarantisdirbtieinantis pareigas
cēliensdarbībadarbotiesizturētieslikums
číslodejstvorokovať
dejanjeigratinadomeščatitočkaukrepati
handlingspelaaktdådhandla
แสดงกระทำการกระทำ
diễnhành động
act
[ækt]A. N
1. (= deed) → acto m, acción f
to catch sb in the act → sorprender a algn en el acto
I was in the act of writing to him → justamente le estaba escribiendo
to catch sb in the act → sorprender a algn en el acto
I was in the act of writing to him → justamente le estaba escribiendo
2. (Parl) → ley f
3. (Theat) (= division) → acto m; (= performance) → número m
it's a hard or tough act to follow → es muy difícil de igualar
to get into or in on the act → introducirse en el asunto, lograr tomar parte
to get one's act together → organizarse, arreglárselas
it's a hard or tough act to follow → es muy difícil de igualar
to get into or in on the act → introducirse en el asunto, lograr tomar parte
to get one's act together → organizarse, arreglárselas
B. VT (Theat) [+ play] → representar
to act the part of (lit) → hacer el papel de
he really acted the part (fig) → la verdad es que daba el papel
to act the fool → hacerse el tonto
to act the part of (lit) → hacer el papel de
he really acted the part (fig) → la verdad es que daba el papel
to act the fool → hacerse el tonto
C. VI
1. (= perform) (Theat) → hacer teatro (Cine) → hacer cine
I acted in my youth → de joven fui actor
she's away acting in the provinces → está actuando en provincias
to act in a film → tener un papel en una película
have you ever acted? → ¿has actuado alguna vez?, ¿tienes experiencia como actor?
who's acting in it? → ¿quién actúa?
I acted in my youth → de joven fui actor
she's away acting in the provinces → está actuando en provincias
to act in a film → tener un papel en una película
have you ever acted? → ¿has actuado alguna vez?, ¿tienes experiencia como actor?
who's acting in it? → ¿quién actúa?
2. (= pretend) he's only acting → lo está fingiendo (nada más)
to act ill → fingirse enfermo
see also stupid
to act ill → fingirse enfermo
see also stupid
3. (= behave) → actuar, comportarse
he is acting strangely → está actuando or se está comportando de una manera rara
she acted as if she was unwell → actuaba or se comportaba como si estuviera enferma
he is acting strangely → está actuando or se está comportando de una manera rara
she acted as if she was unwell → actuaba or se comportaba como si estuviera enferma
4. (= take action) → obrar, tomar medidas
to act with caution → obrar con precaución
he acted to stop it → tomó medidas para impedirlo
now is the time to act → hay que ponerse en acción ahora mismo
he declined to act → se negó a actuar
he acted for the best → hizo lo que mejor le parecía
to act with caution → obrar con precaución
he acted to stop it → tomó medidas para impedirlo
now is the time to act → hay que ponerse en acción ahora mismo
he declined to act → se negó a actuar
he acted for the best → hizo lo que mejor le parecía
5. (= work) he was acting as ambassador → hacía de embajador
acting in my capacity as chairman → en mi calidad de presidente
to act for sb → representar a algn
acting in my capacity as chairman → en mi calidad de presidente
to act for sb → representar a algn
D. CPD act of contrition N → acto m de contrición
act of faith N → acto m de fe
act of folly N → locura f
act of God N → (caso m de) fuerza f mayor
we're not insured against acts of God → no estamos asegurados en casos de fuerza mayor or no estamos asegurados contra fuerzas mayores
act of justice N → acto m de justicia
Act of Parliament N → ley f (aprobada por el Parlamento)
act of treason N → traición f
an act of treason → una traición
act of war N → acción f de guerra
the Acts of the Apostles NPL → los Hechos de los Apóstoles
act of faith N → acto m de fe
act of folly N → locura f
act of God N → (caso m de) fuerza f mayor
we're not insured against acts of God → no estamos asegurados en casos de fuerza mayor or no estamos asegurados contra fuerzas mayores
act of justice N → acto m de justicia
Act of Parliament N → ley f (aprobada por el Parlamento)
act of treason N → traición f
an act of treason → una traición
act of war N → acción f de guerra
the Acts of the Apostles NPL → los Hechos de los Apóstoles
act on VI + PREP = act upon
act out VT + ADV → representar
to act out a macabre drama (fig) → representar (hasta el final) un drama macabro
she is given to acting out her fantasies → tiene tendencia a hacer vivir sus fantasías en la realidad
to act out a macabre drama (fig) → representar (hasta el final) un drama macabro
she is given to acting out her fantasies → tiene tendencia a hacer vivir sus fantasías en la realidad
act up VI + ADV [person] → portarse mal; [knee, back, injury] → molestar, doler; [machine] → fallar, estropearse
act upon VI + PREP
1. [+ advice, suggestion] → seguir; [+ order] → obedecer
to act upon the evidence → obrar de acuerdo con los hechos
to act upon the evidence → obrar de acuerdo con los hechos
2. (= affect) → afectar (a)
the drug acts upon the brain → la droga afecta al cerebro
the drug acts upon the brain → la droga afecta al cerebro
ACT OF PARLIAMENT
A una ley ya aprobada por el Parlamento británico se la denomina Act of Parliament. Antes, cuando todavía es un proyecto de ley (bill), puede ser modificado tanto por la Cámara de los Comunes como por la de los Lores. Si ambas cámaras lo aprueban, se envía al monarca para que dé su aprobación (Royal Assent), aunque esto es una mera formalidad. Tras ello la ley ya es oficialmente un Act of Parliament, y pasa a formar parte de la legislación británica, reemplazando cualquier ley consuetudinaria (common law) que hubiera sobre ese asunto.
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
act
[ˌeɪsiːˈtiː] n
(= action) → acte m
an act of kindness → un acte de gentillesse
an act of sabotage → un sabotage
in the act of doing sth → en train de faire qch
to catch sb in the act → prendre qn sur le fait, prendre qn en flagrant délit
to catch sb in the act of doing sth → surprendre qn en train de faire qch
an act of kindness → un acte de gentillesse
an act of sabotage → un sabotage
in the act of doing sth → en train de faire qch
to catch sb in the act → prendre qn sur le fait, prendre qn en flagrant délit
to catch sb in the act of doing sth → surprendre qn en train de faire qch
(= performance, entertainment routine) → numéro m
a comedy act → un numéro de comédie
to get one's act together → se reprendre en main
to clean up one's act → s'acheter une conduite
to get in on the act → emboîter le pas
a comedy act → un numéro de comédie
to get one's act together → se reprendre en main
to clean up one's act → s'acheter une conduite
to get in on the act → emboîter le pas
(POLITICS) (= law) → loi f
vi
(= have a particular rôle or job) to act as sth → servir de qch
She acts as his interpreter → Elle lui sert d'interprète.
It acts as a deterrent
BUT Cela a un effet dissuasif.
to act for sb, to act on behalf of sb [lawyer] → représenter qn
acting in my capacity as chairman, I ... → en ma qualité de président, je ...
She acts as his interpreter → Elle lui sert d'interprète.
It acts as a deterrent
BUT Cela a un effet dissuasif.
to act for sb, to act on behalf of sb [lawyer] → représenter qn
acting in my capacity as chairman, I ... → en ma qualité de président, je ...
[medicine, drug] → agir
vt
(in theatre) [+ role] → jouer, tenir
to act Hamlet (British) → tenir le rôle d'Hamlet, jouer le rôle d'Hamlet
to act Hamlet (British) → tenir le rôle d'Hamlet, jouer le rôle d'Hamlet
(= behave in certain way) → jouer
to act surprised → jouer la surprise
to act the innocent → faire l'innocent
to act the fool (British) → faire l'idiot
to act the loving husband → jouer le mari amoureux
to act on sth → agir sur la base de qch
The police are acting on information received last night → La police agit sur la base de renseignements reçus la nuit dernière.
to act surprised → jouer la surprise
to act the innocent → faire l'innocent
to act the fool (British) → faire l'idiot
to act the loving husband → jouer le mari amoureux
act on
vt fusto act on sth → agir sur la base de qch
The police are acting on information received last night → La police agit sur la base de renseignements reçus la nuit dernière.
act out
vt sep [+ fantasies] → réaliser
act up
vi (= not work properly) → faire des caprices
The TV is acting up again → La télé fait encore des caprices.
The TV is acting up again → La télé fait encore des caprices.
(= mess around) [person] → faire l'idiot
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
act
n
(= deed, thing done) → Tat f; (official, ceremonial) → Akt m; my first act was to phone him → meine erste Tat or mein Erstes war, ihn anzurufen; an act of mercy → ein Gnadenakt m; an act of God → eine höhere Gewalt no pl; an act of war → kriegerische Aktion or Handlung; an act of folly/madness → ein Akt m → der Dummheit/des Wahnsinns; a small act of kindness → eine Freundlichkeit; Acts (Bibl) the Acts of the Apostles (Bibl) → die Apostelgeschichte ? faith a
(= process of doing) to be in the act of doing something → (gerade) dabei sein, etw zu tun; to catch somebody in the act → jdn auf frischer Tat or (sexually) → in flagranti ertappen; to catch/watch somebody in the act of doing something → jdn dabei ertappen/beobachten, wie er etw tut
(Parl) → Gesetz nt; this was made illegal by an act of Parliament passed in 1976 → nach einem 1976 vom Parlament verabschiedeten Gesetz ist das verboten
(Theat) (of play, opera) → Akt m; (= turn) → Nummer f; a one-act play → ein Einakter m; a one-act opera → eine Oper in einem Akt; to get into or in on the act (fig inf) → mit von der Partie sein; how did he get in on the act? (inf) → wie kommt es, dass er da mitmischt? (inf); he’s really got his act together (inf) (= is organized, efficient with sth) → er hat die Sache wirklich im Griff; (in lifestyle etc) → er hat im Leben erreicht, was er wollte; get your act together! → reiß dich doch mal zusammen!; to clean up one’s act (inf) → sich zusammenreißen; she’ll be a hard or tough act to follow → man wird es ihr nur schwer gleichmachen; to be a class act (inf) → Spitze sein (inf)
(fig: = pretence) → Theater nt, → Schau f (inf); it’s all an act → das ist alles nur Theater or Schau (inf); to put on an act → Theater spielen
vi
(Theat) (= perform) → spielen; (= to be an actor) → schauspielern, Theater spielen; (fig) → Theater spielen, schauspielern, markieren; to act on TV → im Fernsehen auftreten or spielen; who’s acting in it? → wer spielt darin?; he learned to act → er nahm Schauspielunterricht; he should learn to act! → er sollte erst mal richtig schauspielern lernen; … but she can’t act → … aber sie kann nicht spielen or ist keine Schauspielerin; he’s only acting → er tut (doch) nur so, er markiert or spielt (doch) nur; to act stupid/innocent etc → sich dumm/unschuldig etc stellen, den Dummen/Unschuldigen etc spielen
(= function) (brakes etc) → funktionieren; (drug) → wirken; to act as … → wirken als …; (= have function) → fungieren als …; (person) → das Amt des/der … übernehmen, fungieren als …; acting in my capacity as chairman → in meiner Eigenschaft als Vorsitzender; it acts as a deterrent → das wirkt abschreckend; to act for or on behalf of somebody → jdn vertreten
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
act
[ækt]1. vi
b. (function, thing, person) to act as → fungere da, fare da; (drug) → agire
he acts as my assistant → mi fa da assistente
acting in my capacity as chairman, I ... → in qualità di presidente, io...
it acts as a deterrent → serve da deterrente
to act for sb → agire in nome or per conto di qn
who is acting for the defendant? → chi è l'avvocato difensore?
he acts as my assistant → mi fa da assistente
acting in my capacity as chairman, I ... → in qualità di presidente, io...
it acts as a deterrent → serve da deterrente
to act for sb → agire in nome or per conto di qn
who is acting for the defendant? → chi è l'avvocato difensore?
c. (behave) → comportarsi
to act like a fool → fare lo/a stupido/a, comportarsi come uno/a stupido/a
she acted as if she was upset → si era mostrata contrariata
to act like a fool → fare lo/a stupido/a, comportarsi come uno/a stupido/a
she acted as if she was upset → si era mostrata contrariata
2. vt (play) → rappresentare, mettere in scena; (part) → recitare, interpretare
to act Hamlet → recitare la parte di Amleto
to act the fool (fig) → fare lo/a stupido/a or il/la cretino/a
to act Hamlet → recitare la parte di Amleto
to act the fool (fig) → fare lo/a stupido/a or il/la cretino/a
3. n
a. (deed) → atto
an act of kindness → un atto di gentilezza
an act of folly → una pazzia, una follia
I was in the act of writing to him → stavo (proprio) scrivendo a lui
to catch sb in the act → cogliere qn in flagrante or sul fatto
I caught him in the act of stealing → l'ho sorpreso a rubare
an act of kindness → un atto di gentilezza
an act of folly → una pazzia, una follia
I was in the act of writing to him → stavo (proprio) scrivendo a lui
to catch sb in the act → cogliere qn in flagrante or sul fatto
I caught him in the act of stealing → l'ho sorpreso a rubare
b. (also act of Parliament) → legge f
c. (Theatre) (of play) → atto; (in circus, music-hall) → numero (fig) (pretence) → scena, messinscena
it's only an act → è tutta scena, è solo una messinscena
it's only an act → è tutta scena, è solo una messinscena
act on act upon vi + prep (advice) → seguire, agire in base a; (order, instructions) → agire in base a, eseguire
act out vt (event) → ricostruire; (fantasies) → mettere in atto
act up vi + adv (fam) (person) → fare i capricci; (injury) → farsi sentire; (machine) → fare degli scherzi
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
act
(ӕkt) verb1. to do something. It's time the government acted to lower taxes.
2. to behave. He acted foolishly at the meeting.
3. to perform (a part) in a play. He has acted (the part of Romeo) in many theatres; I thought he was dying, but he was only acting (= pretending).
noun1. something done. Running away is an act of cowardice; He committed many cruel acts.
2. (often with capital) a law. Acts of Parliament.
3. a section of a play. `Hamlet' has five acts.
4. an entertainment. an act called `The Smith Family'.
acting adjective temporarily carrying out the duties of. He is acting president of the society.
ˈactor – feminine also ˈactress – noun a performer in a play.
act as to do the work or duties of. He acts as head of department when his boss is away.
act on1. to do something following the advice etc of someone. I am acting on the advice of my lawyer.
2. to have an effect on. Certain acids act on metal.
act on behalf of / act for to do something for (someone else); to act as the representative of (someone). My lawyer is acting on my behalf; He is also acting on behalf of my mother; She is acting for the headmaster in his absence.
in the act (of) at the exact moment (of doing something). He was caught in the act (of stealing my car).
put on an act to pretend. I thought she had hurt herself but she was only putting on an act.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
act
→ فِعْل, يَفْعَلُ, يـُمَثِّلُ čin, hrát, jednat handle, handling, spille Akt, handeln, schauspielen ενεργώ, παίζω, πράξη acto, actuar näytellä, teko, toimia acte, agir, jouer čin, činiti, glumiti agire, atto, recitare 演じる, 行動する, 行為 연기하다, 행동, 행동하다 acteren, handelen, handeling gjerning, handle, spille czyn, działać, grać ato, atuar действие, действовать, играть роль handla, handling, spela แสดง, กระทำ, การกระทำ hareket, harekete geçmek, rol diễn, hành động 动作, 行动, 表演Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
act
n. acto;
___ of God → fuerza mayor;
v. actuar, obrar, ejecutar, hacer algo; portarse;
do not ___ like that → no se porte así, no te portes así.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Collins Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
act
n acto; vi (persona) comportarse; (un medicamento) funcionar, actuar; intermediate-acting de acción intermedia; fast-acting (fam) de acción rápida; long-acting de acción prolongada; rapid-acting de acción rápida; short-acting de acción corta; to — out (psych) expresar emociones o impulsos reprimidosEnglish-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.