説明中心

act

[ækt]

act Definition

  • 1to do something for a particular purpose or to solve a problem
  • 2a single thing that someone does, especially something that is part of a plan
  • 3a law made by a government

Using act: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "act" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    We must act quickly to prevent further damage.

  • Example

    He acted on his instincts and called the police.

  • Example

    The play has five acts.

  • Example

    The government passed an act to protect the environment.

act Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using act

  • to become involved in something that others are already doing

    Example

    When they saw how much fun we were having, they wanted to get in on the act.

  • put on an act

    to pretend to be something you're not, usually to impress others

    Example

    He's not really that confident, he's just putting on an act.

  • to see someone doing something wrong or illegal

    Example

    The security guard caught the thief in the act of stealing.

Phrases with act

  • a small action done to help someone else

    Example

    She did an act of kindness by helping the old lady cross the street.

  • an event caused by natural forces that humans have no control over

    Example

    The flood was considered an act of God and not covered by insurance.

  • behave in a way that is appropriate for your age

    Example

    Stop acting like a child and act your age!

Origins of act

from Latin 'actus', meaning 'a doing'

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Summary: act in Brief

The verb 'act' [ækt] means to do something for a particular purpose or to solve a problem. It can also refer to a single thing that someone does, especially something that is part of a plan. As a noun, 'act' refers to a law made by a government. Phrases like 'act of kindness' and 'act of God' use 'act' to denote a small action done to help someone else or an event caused by natural forces that humans have no control over, respectively. Idioms like 'get in on the act' and 'put on an act' extend the meaning of 'act' to involve becoming involved in something that others are already doing or pretending to be something you're not, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?