act
/ækt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈækt] /ækt/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈækt] /ˈakt/ (ame, mw)
act — verb
- actpresent simple I / you / we / they
- actshe / she / it
- actedpast simple
- acting-ing form
1. to show a certain manner through what you say or do
to show a certain manner through what you say or do
Greta acted calmly while the fire alarm rang in the library.
act + adverb
At the clinic, Christopher acted politely even after a long wait.
Eshe started acting strangely after the lights went out downstairs.
Please act like an adult and finish the discussion quietly.
- behave
the closest everyday synonym
- conduct yourself
more formal and less common in speech
文法句型
act + adverb
act like + noun
用法筆記
Often followed by an adverb or by like + noun to show the manner of behaviour.
常見錯誤
2. to step in and do what is needed for a problem or goal
to step in and do what is needed for a problem or goal
Joon acted quickly and moved the children away from the broken glass.
act quickly
After the leak spread, Tanvi acted to close the kitchen valve.
act + to infinitive
City leaders must act before the river reaches the market streets.
João acted on behalf of his aunt during the rent dispute.
文法句型
act + quickly
act + to infinitive
act on behalf of + person
用法筆記
Used when someone stops waiting and does something practical. Distinguish from sense 1, which describes manner rather than a step taken.
常見錯誤
3. to start changing something or producing a result
to start changing something or producing a result
The pain medicine acted within minutes and eased Marta's back.
act within + time
Warm water acts faster when dry glue covers a thin layer.
Sunlight acted on the fabric and faded the blue stripes.
The cream acts slowly, so Aylin used it before bed.
文法句型
act on + object
act quickly/slowly
用法筆記
Often used for medicine, heat, light, or chemicals. The pattern 'act on' names the thing that is changed.
4. to appear as a character before an audience or camera
to appear as a character before an audience or camera
Shirin acted the mother in the school play on Friday.
act + role
Linh wants to act in films after finishing drama college.
act in + film
During rehearsal, Megan acted so well that the director clapped.
James acted opposite a famous singer in the holiday musical.
文法句型
act in + play/film
act the part of + role
用法筆記
Use 'act in' for appearing in a production and a direct object for the role itself.
5. to behave badly or in a foolish way
to behave badly or in a foolish way
Andrew kept acting the fool and made the younger children cry.
act the fool
At dinner, Harper acted badly and threw rice onto the floor.
Jude acted like a bully and pushed past the smaller boys.
Instead of helping, Marta acted silly and hid the toolbox.
- misbehave
the clearest neutral equivalent
- fool around
more playful and informal
文法句型
act the fool
act + adjective
act like + noun
用法筆記
Often used when someone behaves in an annoying, childish, or rude way. Distinguish from sense 6, which is about pretending rather than simple bad behaviour.
6. to pretend to have a feeling, quality, or identity
to pretend to have a feeling, quality, or identity
Yara acted brave, but her hands shook under the desk.
act + adjective
When the bill arrived, Eitan acted surprised and checked his empty wallet.
Mayumi acted as if she knew the answer, though she guessed.
Samir acted like the owner and ordered everyone out.
文法句型
act + adjective
act as if + clause
act like + noun
用法筆記
Usually suggests that the behaviour is not genuine. Distinguish from sense 7, where the person or thing really performs the role named after as.
7. to do the job of a person or thing, or be used for a purpose
to do the job of a person or thing, or be used for a purpose
Wren acted as team captain while the coach stayed in hospital.
act as + role
The hall acted as a shelter after the storm damaged homes.
act as + purpose
Xiu acted as interpreter for the nurses and the visitors.
During repairs, the spare phone acted as our office line.
文法句型
act as + role
act as + purpose
用法筆記
This sense is about a real role or function. It can describe a person, place, tool, or system.
act — noun
- actsingular
- actsplural
1. something that someone does, especially a single deed
something that someone does, especially a single deed
Calling the ambulance was an act of courage on the dark highway.
an act of + noun
Leaving the dog outside all night was a cruel act.
The simple act of listening helped Greta stop crying.
Buying lunch for the new student was a kind act.
文法句型
an act of + noun
用法筆記
Often follows a description such as kind, brave, cruel, or selfish, or appears in the pattern act of + noun.
2. a false show that covers what you really feel or intend
a false show that covers what you really feel or intend
Was Linh really angry, or was it only an act?
be only an act
His smile was an act to keep the guests from worrying.
After the phone call, everyone saw that Marta's calm voice was an act.
The tears were just an act, and the children knew it.
文法句型
be just an act
put on an act
用法筆記
Usually refers to a false display rather than a real emotion. Distinguish from sense 3, which is a stage performance.
3. a short stage turn, or the performer doing it, in a larger show
a short stage turn, or the performer doing it, in a larger show
A drum act opened the festival before the fireworks started.
a + type + act
The final act tonight is a young magician from Tainan.
the final act
Their comedy act filled the tent with loud laughter.
After lunch, the school added a dance act to the programme.
- performance
broader and more neutral
- routine
especially for comedy or repeated stage material
文法句型
a comedy act
the next act
用法筆記
Common in circuses, talent shows, concerts, and comedy programmes.
4. one major section in the story and staging of a theatre work
one major section in the story and staging of a theatre work
The lights fell at the end of the first act.
the first act
In the second act, the hero finally returns home.
We bought tea during the break between the two acts.
The last act ended with a quiet song and no applause.
文法句型
the first act
between the acts
用法筆記
Often used with numbers or words such as first, second, and final when you talk about the structure of a stage work.
5. an officially approved piece of legislation from a law-making body
an officially approved piece of legislation from a law-making body
Parliament passed the act after three weeks of debate.
pass the act
Teachers studied the new act before school rules changed.
Under the act, shops must show prices more clearly.
The health act gave small clinics more public funding.
文法句型
under the act
the + name + Act
用法筆記
Often capitalized when it is part of the official title of a law, such as the Clean Air Act.