American English
/ækt̚/
One syllable.
to do something in response to a problem or situation, rather than only think or talk about it
Practice out loudto do something in response to a problem or situation, rather than only think or talk about it
The city must act quickly.
We acted on her advice.
act quickly · act immediately · act on advice · act to protect someone
act to + verb
act on + noun
to behave in a particular way, especially in a situation
He acted calm during the interview.
Please act responsibly.
act naturally · act responsibly · act strangely · act like a child
act + adjective
act like + noun
to pretend to be someone or to have a feeling that you do not really have
He acted like he knew the answer.
She acted as if nothing had happened.
act innocent · act surprised · act as if nothing happened
act like + noun
act as if + subject + verb
to perform as an actor in a play, movie, or show
She acted in a popular TV show.
He began acting at age sixteen.
act in a movie · act in a play · act onstage
act in + film/play/show
to serve in a particular role or function
This room acts as a meeting space.
to behave badly or fail to work correctly
My old laptop is acting up again.
to pretend to have a certain feeling or behavior
He was putting on an act for the cameras.