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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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

business active definition - business

telecom active definition - telecom

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


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Modifies a noun

  • ingredient: Each tablet contains a different amount of active ingredient.

Used with adjective complement

  • remain: Lord Morrison remained active in politics until his death in 1965.

Preposition: in

  • politics: With the onset of the Depression Strand became active in politics.
active usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

active quotes

Patience is passive, resignation is active.

-Fitzgerald, Penelope Mary

In order to imbue civilization with sound principles and enliven it with the spirit of the gospel, it is not enough to be illumined with the gift of faith and enkindled with the desire of forwarding a good cause. For this end it is necessary to take an active part in the various organizationsand influencethemfromwithin. And since our present age is one of outstanding scientific and technical progress and excellence, one will not be able to enter these organizations and work effectively from within unless he is scientifically competent, technically capableand skilled in the practice of his own profession.

-PopeJohn XXIII originally Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli

But reading is not idleness†it is the passive, receptive side of civilization without which the active and creative world would be meaningless. It is the immortal spirit of the dead realised within the bodies of the living. It is sacramental.

-Spender, Sir Stephen Harold

active quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"active." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/active>

APA Style

active. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/active

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