Word
enacting
Phoneticsen·act·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛˈnæktɪŋ/
UK/ɛnˈæktɪŋ/
Definition
v. to make a suggestion or a plan into an official law. It can also mean to perform a story or an action.
v. to establish a law or regulation by formal legislative process; to represent or perform a role or narrative on stage.
Examples
“The government is enacting new laws to protect the environment.”
“By enacting these reforms, the council hopes to reduce traffic congestion in the city center.”
“The legislative body spent months debating the bill before finally enacting the statute that would overhaul the nation's healthcare system.”
Examples
simple
“The government is enacting new laws to protect the environment.”
contextual
“By enacting these reforms, the council hopes to reduce traffic congestion in the city center.”
complex
“The legislative body spent months debating the bill before finally enacting the statute that would overhaul the nation's healthcare system.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a law, role, or plan.
Pitfall
The law was enacting by the king.
The law was enacted by the king.
Learners sometimes confuse the present participle '-ing' with the past participle '-ed' when forming the passive voice.
Real-World Examples
“Ashton and Reece play memory games, it seems, enacting scenes from their former lives.” “And Trump has said he envisions enacting many more of these so-called trade law tariffs.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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