Definition Synonyms
Definition of acting - Reverso English Dictionary
Adjective
1.
performancefunctioning or operating
- The acting system is currently under review.
2.
temporary roleperforming duties temporarily
- She is the acting manager while he is on leave..
Noun
1.
performing artsperformance of a role in a play, movie, or television
- Her acting in the film was universally praised..
2.
temporary roletemporary performance of duties of an official position
- He was praised for his acting as the department head..
3.
performancethe act of pretending or simulating
- His acting was so convincing that everyone believed him.
Expressions with acting
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
exaggerated acting lacking subtlety or realism
The play was full of ham acting.
acting that lacks emotion or expression
The movie was criticized for its wooden acting.
experiencing pain or discomfort in the back
My back is acting up after lifting those boxes.
lesson or course where people learn to perform roles in drama
She signed up for an acting class at the local theater.
person temporarily performing the duties of a director in an organization
She became the acting director after her manager suddenly resigned.
person temporarily fulfilling managerial duties
The acting manager will oversee the project until a permanent manager is hired.
cease behaving as if suffering to gain sympathy or avoid blame
Please stop acting like a martyr and take responsibility.
showing behaviors or style seen as typical for straight men
He is gay but very straight-acting at work.
temporary job role where someone fills a position until permanently decided
He accepted an acting appointment as department head during the recruitment process.
person temporarily in charge of a military or similar unit
The acting commander briefed the troops before the emergency deployment.
person temporarily performing the official duties of a minister
She served as acting minister until a permanent replacement was appointed.
describes a device that operates in two directions or ways
The double-acting hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts smoothly..
working or producing results very quickly after starting
This is a quick-acting painkiller.
operating without external control or influence
The self-acting machine adjusted its settings automatically.
producing effects after a long time
This is a slow-acting medicine.
having effects lasting a long time
The long-acting insulin helps control blood sugar levels.
acting technique involving full character immersion
She used method acting to portray the complex character.
of a device or mechanism that operates in one direction only
The single-acting hydraulic cylinder extends but does not retract automatically..
describing elements regulating genes on the same chromosome
Cis-acting elements influence gene expression in the same chromosome.
reacts or works quickly, often in medical situations
This is a fast-acting medicine for headaches.
having effects lasting between short and long durations
This is an intermediate-acting insulin for diabetes.
having a quick effect but short duration
This is a short-acting insulin for diabetes.
Origin of acting
Latin, actus (act) + ing (suffix)
Terms with acting included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
circus
performer in a circus who entertains by acting silly
group
acting as a group or unit
acting
to act a character in a performance
acting
perform in a theatrical production or movie
behavior
manner of acting, feeling, or thinking that shows one's disposition
behavior
always acting or behaving in the same way
insane
mentally unstable or acting irrationally
action
way of doing something or acting
behavior
acting in a rude or inappropriate way
mentorship role
woman acting as a mentor or protector
fooling
acting in a silly or playful way
funny
looking or acting silly or playful like a clown
start acting
start doing something after waiting or preparing
personality trait
kind and friendly way of acting or thinking
communication
pausing briefly before speaking or acting
decision
wait before acting
haste
acting with great haste
emotion
acting with fear and urgency
speed
acting slowly or without feeling rushed
slowly
acting without rushing or urgency
social
man acting as a father
mood or behavior
acting or feeling differently than normal
walking movement
moving or acting while using crutches for support
advantage
acting as an advantage or benefit
Examples of acting in a sentence
An acting president was appointed during the transition. The acting director will address the issue. He took on the acting role during her absence. His acting won him several awards. Acting can be a challenging profession. Her acting as interim manager was commendable.
The acting principal made several important decisions. The acting in the play was top-notch. She studied acting in college.
View all translations of acting
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:par intérim, jeu d'acteur, ...
- German:funktionierend, Schauspielerei, ...
- Italian:funzionante, interpretazione, ...
- Spanish:operativo, actuación, ...
- Portuguese:em funcionamento, atuação, ...
- Chinese:运作的, 表演, ...
- Japanese:稼働中の, 演技, ...
- Arabic:قائم, تَمْثِيل, ...
- Hebrew:זְמַנִּי, מִשְׂחָק, ...
- Russian:действующий, актёрская игра, ...
- Ukrainian:діючий, акторська гра, ...
- Hindi:कार्यशील, अभिनय, ...
Definition of act - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
actionsomething done or performed, a deed
- His brave act saved the child.
2.
theaterdivision of a theatrical performance
- The play's first act was very engaging.
3.
deceptiondisplay of behavior meant to deceive
- Her kindness was just an act.
4.
entertainmentperformer or performers in a show
- The opening act was a famous band.
5.
legallaw passed by a legislative body
- The new act was approved by the parliament.
Verb
1.
theatertr./intr. perform a role in a playtr./intr.
- She will act in the school play.
2.
behaviorintr. behave in a certain wayintr.
- He tends to act shy around strangers.
3.
actionintr. perform an action or deedintr.
- She decided to act immediately.
4.
functionintr. serve a function or purposeintr.
- The sofa can act as a bed.
5.
performancetr./intr. pretend to be somethingtr./intr.
- He likes to act tough.
6.
legaltr. represent someone legallytr.
- The lawyer will act for the defendant.
Expressions with act
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
do it in an unforced, real way
When the camera started rolling, the director told everyone to act naturally.
perform a role or part in a dramatic performance
She decided to act out the role of Juliet in the play..
malfunction or fail to function correctly
My old laptop tends to act up when I try to run too many applications..
performance involving balancing objects or oneself
The clown's balancing act amazed the audience.
engaged in a specific activity
She was in the act of writing a letter.
behave in a unified and coordinated manner
The team must act as one to win the game.
act with confidence or boldness
She decided to act big during the presentation.
in an impulsive manner without prior thought
She tends to act first, think later in emergencies.
behave in a strange or suspicious way
She started to act funny when we asked about the money.
make decisions based on received information
She decided to act on the new data.
behave in a silly way to entertain others
During the party, he loved to act the clown.
behave in a way suitable for a role
He always acts the part of a responsible leader.
stop acting younger or older than you are
It's time to act your age and take responsibility.
pretend to be something not true
His kindness turned out to be just an act.
person who impresses others with admirable qualities or refined style
She is a class act both on and off stage.
become involved in an activity or situation already happening
She wanted to get in on the act and help with the project.
improve your behavior or performance
Get your act together before the boss reviews your work tomorrow.
pretend to be something or someone else
She put on an act to get sympathy from her friends.
magic trick where someone or something disappears suddenly
The magician performed a vanishing act on stage.
needing careful management to avoid problems
Managing work and family life can be requiring a balancing act.
make decisions with global awareness but implement them locally
The company aims to think globally, act locally in its business strategy.
behave in a silly or stupid way
He tends to act a fool at parties.
limit or control something to prevent excess
The new policy acts as a check on spending.
mediate between two parties to facilitate communication
She acted as a go-between for the two companies.
Origin of act
Latin, actus (a doing)
Examples of act in a sentence
Her act of defiance was unexpected. The second act of the opera was breathtaking. Each act of the musical was more thrilling than the last. His apology was merely an act. The tears were all an act. The final act of the night was a solo comedian.
They booked a new act for the upcoming festival. The act was challenged in the supreme court. Citizens protested against the controversial act. He loves to act in community theater productions. They will act in a Shakespearean play next month. Please act responsibly during the emergency. The child acted bravely at the dentist. He promised to act on the feedback given. They must act quickly to prevent further damage. The phone can act as a camera. In emergencies, the flashlight acts as a beacon. She can act like a professional chef. They act as if they own the place. She agreed to act on behalf of the company. He was hired to act for the plaintiff in court.
View all translations of act
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:acte, jouer, ...
- German:Akt, spielen, ...
- Italian:atto, recitare, ...
- Spanish:acto, actuar, ...
- Portuguese:ato, interpretar, ...
- Chinese:行为, 表演, ...
- Japanese:行為, 演じる, ...
- Arabic:عَمَل, أَدّى دورًا, ...
- Hebrew:מַעֲשֶׂה, לְגַלֵּם, ...
- Russian:поступок, выступать, ...
- Ukrainian:вчинок, виконувати роль, ...
- Hindi:कार्य, अभिनय करना, ...
icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.
icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.
icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the