active

ac·tive

adj \ˈak-tiv\

Definition of ACTIVE

1

: characterized by action rather than by contemplation or speculation <an active life>

2

: producing or involving action or movement

3

a of a verb form or voice : asserting that the person or thing represented by the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb <hits in “he hits the ball” is active> b : expressing action as distinct from mere existence or state

4

: quick in physical movement : lively

5

: marked by vigorous activity : busy <the stock market was active>

6

: requiring vigorous action or exertion <active sports>

7

: having practical operation or results : effective <an active law>

8

a : disposed to action : energetic <took an active interest> b : engaged in an action or activity <an active club member> c of a volcano : currently erupting or likely to erupt — compare dormant 2a, extinct 1b d : characterized by emission of large amounts of electromagnetic energy <an active galactic nucleus>

9

: engaged in full-time service especially in the armed forces <active duty>

10

: marked by present operation, transaction, movement, or use <an active account>

11

a : capable of acting or reacting : reacting readily <active nitrogen> <active ingredients> b : tending to progress or to cause degeneration <active tuberculosis> c of an electronic circuit element : capable of controlling voltages or currents d (1) : requiring the expenditure of energy <active calcium ion uptake> (2) : functioning by the emission of radiant energy or sound <radar is an active sensor>

12

: still eligible to win the pot in poker

13

: moving down the line : visiting in the set —used of couples in contredanses or square dances

— active noun

— ac·tive·ly adverb

— ac·tive·ness noun

Examples of ACTIVE

1. We stay active during the cold winter months by skiing and ice skating.
2. We are active members of our church.
3. While many give money to the organization, only a few are active participants.
4. She was politically active as a volunteer for her state representative.
5. They take an active interest in their children's education.
6. He has taken a more active role in the production of this album.
7. the bank's active and inactive accounts

Origin of ACTIVE

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French actif, from Latin activus, from actus, past participle of agere to drive, do — more at agent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ACTIVE

Synonyms: alive, functional, functioning, going, live, living, on, operating, operational, operative, running, working, in commission (or into commision), in force, in gear, on line

Antonyms: broken, dead, inactive, inoperative, kaput (also kaputt), nonactivated, nonfunctional, nonfunctioning, nonoperating, nonoperational, nonoperative

Related Words: effective, effectual; employable, operable, usable (also useable), viable, workable; performing, producing, productive, serving, useful, yielding; astir, bustling, busy, dynamic, flourishing, humming, roaring, thriving

Near Antonyms: deactivated, decommissioned; ineffective, ineffectual, useless; inoperable, unusable, unworkable; arrested, asleep, dormant, fallow, idle, inert, latent, lifeless, nonproductive, quiescent, sleepy, stagnating, unproductive, vegetating

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with ACTIVE

tractive