action Definition
- 1the process of doing something, especially when dealing with a problem or difficulty
- 2something that is done, especially to achieve a particular result
- 3exciting or dramatic activity
Using action: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "action" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
We need to take action to solve this problem.
Example
The government's action on climate change has been criticized.
Example
The movie was full of action and adventure.
Example
He saw some action during the war.
action Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using action
actions speak louder than words
what someone does is more important than what they say they will do
Example
He promised to help me, but I haven't seen any action from him yet. Actions speak louder than words.
get in on the action
to become involved in an exciting or interesting activity
Example
I heard there's a new restaurant opening downtown. I want to get in on the action and try it out.
see action
to participate in a military operation or battle
Example
He joined the army hoping to see action, but he never left the base.
Phrases with action
put something into action
to start using a plan or idea
Example
We need to put our new marketing strategy into action.
Example
The company is planning to take legal action against the employee who leaked confidential information.
in action
being used or demonstrated
Example
I've never seen this machine in action before.
Origins of action
from Latin 'actio', meaning 'a doing'
Summary: action in Brief
The term 'action' [ˈækʃn] refers to the process of doing something, often to solve a problem or achieve a result. It can also mean something that is done, or exciting and dramatic activity. Phrases like 'put something into action' and 'take action against someone' use 'action' to denote starting a plan or punishing someone. Idioms like 'actions speak louder than words' and 'get in on the action' suggest that what someone does is more important than what they say, and that getting involved in exciting activities is desirable.
