-or /-ər/

(esp in words derived from Latin and legal terms) denoting a person or thing that performs an action or function, as in actor, elevator

—In most words indicating an agent either -or is standard or -er is standard, but in some both endings are acceptable

act /akt/

1. To produce an effect, to do something
2. To behave in a specified way
3. To perform, eg on the stage
4. To feign
5. To exert force or influence
6. To be suitable for performance

1. To perform
2. To imitate or play the part of

1. Something done, a deed
2. An exploit
3. The process (of doing)
4. A pretence
5. A decree
6. A legislative enactment
7. A written instrument in verification
8. A short prayer (RC)
9. A distinct main section of a play, opera, etc
10. An individual performance or turn such as in a variety show
11. The person or people performing this
12. A public disputation or lecture maintained for a degree (archaic)

actabilˈity noun

actˈable adjective

actˈant noun (grammar)

A noun phrase functioning as the agent of the verb

actˈing noun

1. Action
2. The act or art of performing an assumed or a dramatic part
3. Feigning

Performing some duty temporarily, or for another

actˈor, fem actˈress noun

A person who acts on the stage, in films, etc

actˈorish, actˈorly or (fem) actˈressy adjective

Affectedly theatrical

actˈure noun (Shakespeare)

Action or performance

act curtain or act drop noun

A curtain for closing the proscenium arch between acts or scenes

act of contrition noun (RC)

A prayer expressing penitence

act of God noun

A result of natural forces, unexpected and not preventable by human foresight

act of grace noun

A favour, esp a pardon granted by a sovereign

act of parliament see under parliament

act as

To perform the duties of

act for

1. To substitute for
2. To represent legally or contractually

act on

1. To exert an influence on
2. To act in accordance with

act out

1. To play as an actor
2. To express in behaviour (one's fears, etc)

act up (informal)

1. To behave badly
2. (of a machine) to malfunction

act up to

1. To come in practice up to the standard of
2. To fulfil

catch someone in the act

To come upon someone in the process of doing something they should not be doing

clean up one's act (informal)

To regulate one's activities, put one's affairs in good or proper order

get in on or get into the act (informal)

To start participating in something apparently profitable already taking place in order to share in the benefits

get one's act together (informal)

To get oneself organized

hard act to follow (informal)

An outstanding person, or something outstanding another person has done, regarded as difficult to equal

put on an act

1. To make a pretence
2. To show off

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