'act' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'actus,' where 'agere' meant 'to do, drive.'

'actus' transformed into the Old French word 'acte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'act' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a doing or a thing done,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'performing' and 'a law or division of a play.'