action
action
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "action" is /ˈækʃən/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
ac- /æk/:
/æ/ - as in "cat"
/k/ - as in "kite"
-tion /ʃən/:
/ʃ/ - as in "she"
/ə/ - as in "sofa" (schwa sound)
/n/ - as in "no"
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: action
Plural: actions
Verb:
Base form: action (less common as a verb, often implies "to take action")
Third-person singular present: actions
Present participle: actioning
Past tense: actioned
Past participle: actioned
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The process or state of doing something; an accomplishment or deed.
Synonyms: deed, act, undertaking, performance, execution
Antonyms: inaction, idleness, passivity, stagnation
Definition 2: A series of events in a story, play, or film, particularly those that are exciting or dramatic.
Synonyms: plot, storyline, narrative, drama, unfolding
Antonyms: stagnation, lull, inactivity, boredom
Definition 3: The way in which a machine or device operates or moves.
Synonyms: operation, movement, mechanism, function, working
Antonyms: malfunction, breakdown, inertia, standstill
Definition 4: A legal process by which a plaintiff sues a defendant in a court of law; a lawsuit.
Synonyms: lawsuit, case, suit, litigation, proceedings
Antonyms: settlement, agreement, truce, peace
Verb
Definition 1: To do something in response to a request, information, or an event; to carry out or execute.
Synonyms: execute, implement, carry out, perform, address
Antonyms: ignore, neglect, disregard, postpone, delay
Examples of Use
Books:
"His face was a study in controlled action, every muscle taut as he prepared for the final ascent." (Example from a fictional adventure novel)
"The philosopher argued that true freedom lies not just in thought, but in the action that follows." (Example from a non-fiction philosophical text)
Newspapers:
"Local residents are demanding immediate action from city officials to address the ongoing water crisis." (Headline from a local newspaper, The Daily Gazette)
"The stock market saw considerable action yesterday, with tech stocks leading the gains." (Business section, The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications:
"Here are five actionable steps you can take to improve your financial health this year." (Article title from a personal finance blog, MoneyWise.com)
"In a surprising turn of events, the company took swift action to recall the faulty product." (News report from TechCrunch)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "This movie is packed with non-stop action from beginning to end!" (Movie review, Rotten Tomatoes)
Video Game: "Press 'X' to perform a special action." (In-game instruction, Call of Duty)
Television Series: "The final episode was an intense action sequence that kept viewers on the edge of their seats." (TV show recap, Entertainment Weekly)
Music (Song Title/Lyric): "All that talk, no action." (Lyric from a popular hip-hop song)
Podcast: "Our guest today will discuss the action plans being developed to combat climate change." (Podcast episode description, The Environmental Dialogue)
General Public Discourse:
"We need to see some action on this issue, not just more talk." (Statement from a community activist during a public meeting)
"Let's get this show on the road – more action, less conversation!" (Common idiom used in informal conversation)
"The police took swift action to apprehend the suspect." (Informal report from an eyewitness)
"It's time for some action to spice up this dull party." (Suggestion made at a social gathering)
10 Famous Quotes Using Action
"Action is the foundational key to all success." — Pablo Picasso
"An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Words may show a man’s wit, but actions his meaning." — Benjamin Franklin
"Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action comes, stop thinking and go in." — Napoleon Bonaparte
"Action expresses priorities." — Mahatma Gandhi
"The path to success is to take massive, determined action." — Tony Robbins
"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage." — Dale Carnegie
"Action is the real measure of intelligence." — Napoleon Hill
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit — built through action." — Will Durant (summarizing Aristotle)
"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." — Joel A. Barker
Etymology
The word "action" has a long history, tracing its roots back to ancient Latin.
It comes from the Latin word "actio", which essentially meant "a putting in motion," "a performing," or "a doing." This Latin word itself came from the verb "agere," which had a broad meaning encompassing "to do," "to act," "to drive," or "to set in motion."
The English word "action" entered the language in the Middle English period (around the 14th century). Its very first known meaning was related to legal processes, specifically "a cause or grounds for a lawsuit." So, if you had a "right of action," it meant you had the right to bring a case to court.
Over time, the meaning of "action" expanded to include the more general sense of "active exertion" or "activity" (late 14th century), and then "something done, an act, or deed" (also late 14th century). So, from its initial legal sense, it broadened to refer to any kind of doing or activity.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Action
Call to action: A statement or prompt designed to get an audience to do something.
Get in on the action: To become involved in an activity or event that is already happening.
Put into action: To implement a plan or idea.
Take action: To do something in order to deal with a problem or situation.
Actions speak louder than words: What someone does is more important than what they say.
In action: Actively doing something; in operation.
Man of action: Someone who prefers to do things rather than talk about them.
Out of action: Not working or functioning; temporarily unusable.
Ready for action: Prepared and eager to begin an activity.
The action is heating up: A situation is becoming more intense or exciting.
A piece of the action: A share or involvement in an activity or enterprise, especially a profitable one.
Action item: A task that needs to be done.
No action: Lack of activity or progress.
Swing into action: To begin to act quickly and effectively.
Where the action is: The place where exciting or important things are happening.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of action from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
