actuar

Senses

1. 1.

   to act

   to perform an action or behave in a particular way

2. 2.

   to perform / act (on stage or film)

   to play a role as an actor

3. 3.

   to work / function / operate

   to perform a function or have an effect

4. 4.

   to serve (as)

   to perform the role or duty of

Examples

• "Decidí actuar rápidamente ante la emergencia."

  I decided to act quickly in the face of the emergency.

• "Mi hermana actúa en películas de Hollywood."

  My sister acts in Hollywood films.

• "El medicamento actúa en el cuerpo en menos de una hora."

  The medicine works in the body in less than an hour.

Usage

Actuar is a regular -AR verb. It is very commonly used in contexts ranging from performing arts to general action and operation. The reflexive form "actuarse" is rare; instead use reflexive constructions with other verbs. Note the difference between actuar (to perform actions) and "actores" (actors, the noun).