action
- 01 A1 Beginner
a thing that someone does, often to achieve a goal.
a specific deed or act performed by an agent, typically with a particular intention or purpose.
Simple“We must take action now to protect the environment for our children.”
In context“The government's swift action in lowering interest rates prevented a total collapse of the housing market during the crisis.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
fast-paced or exciting events, especially in a movie or story.
the series of events in a narrative, or a state of high-energy activity and excitement.
Simple“I prefer action movies because they are more exciting than dramas.”
In context“The novel's action shifts rapidly between London and Paris, keeping the reader engaged through constant plot developments.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the way a machine or instrument moves when you use it.
the mechanism or mode of functioning of a mechanical device, such as a piano or a firearm.
Simple“The piano has a very light action, making it easy to play fast.”
In context“The gunsmith adjusted the rifle's action to ensure the bolt moved smoothly without catching on the casing.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
fighting between soldiers in a war.
armed conflict or engagement between opposing military forces.
Simple“The young soldier saw action for the first time during the border conflict.”
In context“Several units were decorated for their bravery after seeing intense action during the liberation of the capital city.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
a legal case or a lawsuit in a court of law.
a judicial proceeding or lawsuit brought by one party against another.
Simple“They decided to bring a legal action against the company for breach of contract.”
In context“The plaintiff initiated a civil action seeking damages for the emotional distress caused by the defendant's negligence.”
Synonyms - 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
the effect that a natural force has on something over time.
the process or effect of a natural force or chemical substance on an object.
Simple“The action of the waves slowly turned the rocks into sand.”
In context“The digestive action of the enzymes breaks down complex proteins into simpler amino acids that the body can absorb.”
- 07 C1 Advanced
a slang way to talk about having sex.
a colloquial euphemism for sexual activity or intercourse.
Simple“He was hoping to get some action after their third date.”
In context“The film's protagonist spent most of the night at the bar looking for some action but went home alone.”
Synonyms
Usage action taken · action to protect · actions by the settlers
From Middle English accioun, accion, from Old French aucion, acciun, from Latin āctiō(n) (“act of doing or making”), from āct(us) + action suffix -iō(n), perfect passive participle of agere (“do, act”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti. See also act, active. By surface analysis, act + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.