Meaning & use
act
A single thing that someone does; a deed or action.
See it in a sentence
Donating the prize money was a generous act that surprised everyone.
The whistleblower's act of courage exposed years of hidden fraud.
A note on using this word
Act often pairs with an adjective describing the deed's nature, as in an act of kindness, violence, or defiance.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To behave in a particular way, or to perform actions to achieve something.
She acted quickly to stop the toddler from touching the stove.
3. noun
A law formally passed by a legislative body such as a parliament or congress.
Congress passed the act after months of heated debate.
4. noun
One of the main divisions of a play, opera, or other theatrical performance.
The audience applauded as the curtain fell at the end of the first act.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “act”, then compare your use with the examples above.