act

• Nom désignant une action ou un acte accompli, souvent volontaire ; également un acte comme partie d'une pièce de théâtre ou d'un spectacle.

A noun referring to a deed, action, or specific thing done; also a division of a play or performance.

1. A2formal

   Something done; a deed or action.

   Acte (action accomplie)

   • It was a kind act of generosity.
   • His act of bravery saved the child.
   • Every small act of kindness counts.

   Synonymesactiondeedendeavorexploitfeatmoveoperationperformanceundertaking

   Antonymescessationidlenessinactioninactivityrest

2. Law or StatuteB2formal

   A written law passed by a legislative body.

   Loi (acte législatif)

   • The new act was passed by Congress.
   • The Civil Rights Act changed history.
   • They are debating the privacy act in parliament.

   Synonymesdecreeenactmentlawlegislationmeasureordinancestatute

3. Performance in TheaterB1formal

   A single segment of a play or performance.

   Acte (théâtre)

   • The first act of the play was captivating.
   • The final act brought the story to a climax.
   • It's a three-act comedy.

   Synonymesdivisionpartsectionsegment

4. Pretend BehaviorB1informal

   A pretense or false display.

   Simulation, comportement feint

   • His apology was just an act.
   • She put on an act to impress the guests.
   • Don't buy his innocent act.

   Synonymesaffectationcharadedisplaydissimulationfacadefeigningfrontmasqueradeperformanceposepretensesemblanceshamshowsimulation

   Antonymesgenuinenesshonestyrealitysinceritytruth

• Verbe indiquant le fait d'accomplir une action, de se comporter d'une certaine manière, ou d'interpréter un rôle dans une pièce ou un film.

A verb used to indicate performing an action, behaving in a particular way, or performing in a play or film.

1. Perform an actionA1formal

   To do something; to take action or behave in a particular way.

   agir

   • You must act quickly to solve the problem.
   • She acted bravely during the emergency.
   • He acted responsibly by reporting the issue.

   Synonymesbehavedofunctionoperateperformproceedwork

   Antonymesdesisthesitateidlepauseprocrastinaterefrainstallwait

2. Perform in a play or filmA2formal

   To perform a role in a play, movie, or other performance.

   jouer (un rôle)

   • She acts in Hollywood movies.
   • He acted as the villain in the school play.
   • They acted out the scene perfectly.

   Synonymesappearenactperformplayportraystar

3. Function or operateB1formal

   To work or function in a particular way.

   Fonctionner, agir

   • The medicine acts quickly to relieve pain.
   • The brakes didn't act properly.
   • This chemical acts as a preservative.

   Synonymesfunctionoperateperformservework

Variantes phrasalact asact onact outact upact upon