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