Act (Noun)
Meaning 1
A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The new act of parliament aimed to reduce carbon emissions by 50% within the next decade.
- The committee's act was met with widespread criticism from the public, who felt it did not go far enough in addressing the issue.
- The legislative body voted to pass the act, which would provide funding for the construction of a new highway.
- The society's governing body published an act outlining the rules and regulations for membership.
- The Supreme Court reviewed the constitutionality of the act and ultimately deemed it lawful.
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Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
A manifestation of insincerity; "he put on quite an act for her benefit".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The politician's tears during the speech were just an act to gain sympathy from the audience.
- Her smile was just an act to hide her true feelings of disappointment.
- He put on quite an act to impress his date, but she saw right through it.
- The comedian's angry outburst was just an act to get a rise out of the audience.
- Her protestation of innocence was just an act to distract from her obvious guilt.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
A short performance that is part of a longer program; "he did his act three times every evening"; "she had a catchy little routine"; "it was one of the best numbers he ever did".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The comedian's act was a hit at the comedy club, with the audience laughing at every joke.
- The magician's act was a highlight of the variety show, with his impressive illusions and tricks.
- The singer's act was a soulful rendition of a classic love song, accompanied by a solo piano.
- The acrobat's act was a thrilling display of strength and agility, with her tumbling and balancing on the high wire.
- The ventriloquist's act was a hilarious routine, with his wisecracking puppet sidekick stealing the show.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Meaning 4
A subdivision of a play or opera or ballet.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The three-act structure of the play consisted of an introduction, a climax, and a resolution.
- In this modern adaptation, Act I has been replaced by a single song to condense the storyline.
- During the first act, the lead singer demonstrated exceptional vocal control, warming up for the final showdown in Act II.
- Ballet critics universally panned Act II for lacking choreography coherence, confusing dancers on stage.
- Several modern translations consider Acts IV and V an inseparable two-act continuum despite time leap occurrences between.
Hypernyms
Meaning 5
Something that people do or cause to happen.
Classification
Unique beginner for nouns.
Examples
- The company's decision to reduce its waste was a conscious act that demonstrated its commitment to sustainability.
- Her act of kindness towards the stranger went unnoticed by many but had a profound impact on his life.
- The politician's act of corruption was exposed by an investigation and led to her resignation.
- Signing the contract was the final act that sealed the deal between the two companies.
- The protesters' act of civil disobedience was met with resistance from the authorities but received widespread media attention.
Synonyms
Hyponyms
- Leveling
- Motivating
- Obstetrical Delivery
- Disinterment
- Communicating
- Abidance
- Assessment
- Nonachievement
- Actuation
- Promulgation
- Emergence
- Judgement
- Getting
- Stoppage
- Residence
- Interference
- Permissive Waste
- Digging Up
- Mitsvah
- Going Away
- Equalisation
- Leaving
- Uncovering
- Effectuation
- Sacrifice
- Hinderance
- Touching
- Wearing
- Disposition
- Retrieval
- Forfeiture
- Causation
- Going
- Find
- Egression