Definition: pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
Usage: He acted the idiot; She plays deaf when the news are bad
Similar words: act, behave, do
Definition: behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
Usage: You should act like an adult; Don't behave like a fool; What makes her do this way?; The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people
Synonyms: act as
Definition: function as or act like
Usage: This heap of stones will act as a barrier
Similar words: serve, function
Definition: serve a purpose, role, or function
Usage: The tree stump serves as a table; The female students served as a control group; This table would serve very well; His freedom served him well; The table functions as a desk