From: Anu Garg (words at wordsmith.org)
Subject: Verbs

Especially in these days of political confusion, I remain amazed by the power and variability of the verb to act.
to do something; exert energy or force; be employed or operative;
to reach, make, or issue a decision;
to operate or function in a particular way;
to perform specific duties or functions;
to behave or conduct oneself;
to pretend; feign;
to perform as an actor;
to serve or substitute.
You can act out of compassion or deep personal values (act heroically or with a sense of duty), act with decorum, or pretend to do something or be someone (perhaps deceptively or maliciously).
-Richard Talley, Washington, DC (richard.talley nnsa.doe.gov)