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active Definition

ac·tive (ak′tiv)

adjective

  1. that is acting, functioning, working, moving, etc.
  2. capable of acting, functioning, etc.
  3. causing action, motion, or change
  4. characterized by much action or motion; lively, busy, agile, quick, etc. an active mind, an active boy
  5. actual, not just nominal; participating an active interest, to play an active role
  6. necessitating action or work
    1. currently in operation, in effect, in progress, etc. an active law, an active disease
    2. in eruption an active volcano
  8. Gram.
    1. denoting the voice or form of a verb whose subject is the performer, or agent, of the action of the verb
    2. in or of the active voice
    3. showing action rather than state of being: said of verbs like throw and walk

Etymology: ME & OFr actif < L activus < actus, pp. of agere: see act

noun

  1. an active member of an organization
  2. Gram.
    1. the active voice
    2. a verb in this voice

active Related Forms

ac′·tively adverb ac′·tive·ness noun

active Synonyms

active

modif.

  1. Engaged in or capable of action

    functioning, acting, working, moving, going, operative, in effect, in action, operating, in force, live, alive, dynamic, running, mobile, busy, bustling, rushing, astir, stirring, humming, in operation, current, actual, participating, engaged, practicing, effective, effectual, productive, powerful, efficacious, serviceable, impelling, ongoing, going on, existing, in process, in progress, progressive, in a state of action, activated, volatile, restless, in play, at work, up and about, up and around, at it*, on the go*, on the move*, hopping*, ticking*, going full blast*, in high gear*.

    Antonyms quiet, inactive, motionless*.

  2. Notable for activity

    energetic, lively, busy, eventful, brisk, dynamic, agile, quick, nimble, spry, rapid, dexterous, fresh, frisky, sprightly, alert, alive, ready, sharp, keen, wide-awake, animated, spirited, vital, full of life, enlivened, vibrant, kinetic, vigorous, strenuous, bustling, industrious, persevering, enthusiastic, ardent, unfaltering, purposeful, resolute, pushing, aggressive, forceful, intense, forcible, determined, unwearied, diligent, hard-working, assiduous, enterprising, activist, eager, zealous, dashing, bold, daring, high-spirited, overactive, hyperactive, hyper*, hectic*, frenetic*, frenzied, chipper*, snappy*, peppy*, zippy*, full of pep*, on the ball*, on one's toes*, with plenty of go*, rarin' to go*, up and coming*, on the job*, on the stick*, full of pizazz*, hot*, hyped up*, pumped up*, charged up*, turned on (to)*.

    Antonyms lazy*, lethargic*, sluggish.

active implies a state of motion, operation, etc. ranging from cases of normal functioning to instances of quickened activity he's still active at eighty; an active market; energetic suggests a concentrated exertion of energy or effort an energetic workout; vigorous implies forcefulness, robustness, and strength as an inherent quality a vigorous plant; strenuous is applied to things that make trying demands on one's strength or energy strenuous exercise; brisk implies liveliness and vigor of motion a brisk walk

active Telecom Definition

Energized, i.e., electrically powered, and in a state of readiness to perform a function such as amplifying a signal, detecting and correcting for errors in received data, retiming a signal, or retransmitting a signal. An amplifier or repeater, for example is an active device, but a reflector is passive. See also passive.

active Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • economically: NIACE appreciates that mothers who are not economically active whilst their children are young may be low or medium skilled.
  • sexually: The video enforces the message that young, sexually active people with STIs are ten times more likely to contract HIV.
  • physically: We are seeking people with Type 2 diabetes, who would like help to become more physically active to take part in the study.
  • politically: Students are one of the biggest groups in society politically active in international issues.

Modifies a noun

  • ingredient: Each tablet contains a different amount of active ingredient.
  • participation: This has ensured active academic staff participation in the program.
  • citizenship: The resource supports teaching and learning of active citizenship.
  • involvement: The active involvement of the private sector is critical to the success of most regeneration projects.
  • role: We also play an active role in the future of the Internet in the UK.
  • substance: With respect to the amount of active substance absorbed, there is no clinically relevant difference between the oral dosage forms.

Used with adjective complement

  • remain: Lord Morrison remained active in politics until his death in 1965.
  • become: On hot days the spider appears to become more active in the early evening, possibly a response to slower ant activity.
  • stay: So..... to stop back pain recurring, keep fit and stay active.
  • get: You really need to get more active - talk about finger on the pulse!
  • keep: Eating the right food and keeping active doesn't need to be boring.

Preposition: in

  • politics: With the onset of the Depression Strand became active in politics.
  • campaigning: Read CaSE's written evidence here 05/10/05 Postdoctoral careers CaSE today encouraged postdoctoral researchers to become more active in campaigning for improved career structures.
  • field: At the moment, all the start-up enterprises active in the field burn venture capital.
  • movement: There were also the old pioneers who had been active in the movement before these young people were born.
  • campaign: Active in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, he sold Peace News on a street corner in Aberdeen.