act out
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out
Meanings
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions
Why “out”? A plan leaves the idea stage and becomes action. The task is carried out.
“The class acted out the story.”
“The workers acted out the emergency plan.”
Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“The child was acting out at school.”
“He acted out when he felt ignored.”
Don't confuse with
Act out means perform a scene, story, or plan with actions. Act up means behave badly or stop working properly.
Test yourself
“The class acted out the story.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
act up
A contrast learners often mix up
Behave badly or stop working properly
bail out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Rescue someone, especially financially
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) start suddenly
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
call out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Shout something loudly or summon services
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