WordGarden.ioactive
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈæktɪv/
US
- /ˈæktɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
physically energetic or regularly engaged in movement or exercise
involved, engaged, and taking part rather than passive
currently functioning, in use, or still in effect
More meaningsFewer meanings
using a sentence structure in which the subject performs the action
Beyond the definition
To be active is to be full of energy, movement, and participation. A playful puppy is active, constantly running and exploring. An active volcano isn't peacefully dormant – it can erupt, and it shows signs of life. You can also be active by choosing to participate: an active citizen volunteers in their community and seeks out ways to help. Think of a busy bee buzzing around a flower – that's activity in action!
The word "active" doesn't just describe physical movement, though. An "active mind" is one that's constantly thinking and learning. "Active" can also mean currently working or in use – an active account, an active subscription, or the active window on your screen. And in finance, an "active investment strategy" involves frequent buying and selling in an attempt to beat the market. So, whether it's a body, a mind, a system, or a portfolio, "active" implies being engaged and doing something.
The word "active" describes something that is energetic, involved, and in motion – both physically and figuratively. Think of an athlete training for a marathon; they are incredibly active, pushing their body to its limits. But activity isn't limited to physical exertion.
An "active listener" doesn't just hear words; they truly engage with the speaker, asking questions and offering feedback. Similarly, an "active imagination" is one that creates vivid images and stories. You might describe a bustling city as active, full of people going about their day. Or you could say someone has an active social life, meaning they frequently participate in events and spend time with friends.
Often, "active" simply means "currently functioning" or "in effect." You might have an active membership, an active case or project, or an active internet connection. In the military, "active duty" means serving full-time.
In grammar, the "active voice" is when the subject performs the action ("The chef cooked dinner"), as opposed to the passive voice ("Dinner was cooked").
In science, "active" can refer to something capable of causing change or reacting. An "active ingredient" in medicine is the component that actually produces the therapeutic effect. In computing, an "active window" is the one you're currently working in, and an active session is one that hasn't ended.
The opposite of active is passive – meaning still, receptive, or not engaged. So, while relaxing on the beach can be enjoyable, it's generally considered less active than hiking in the mountains! Whether describing a lifestyle, a process, or an ingredient, "active" always suggests energy, engagement, and participation.
Examples
- 1
Older age
My grandfather is eighty, but he’s still very active and walks every day.
- 2
Outdoor play
After school, the children like to stay active outside instead of watching TV.
- 3
Community involvement
She’s active in the local community and volunteers on weekends.
- Patternactive in + group/community
involved in it
- 4
Social media
He’s very active on social media and posts several times a day.
- Patternactive on + website/app
using it often
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Membership status
Your gym membership is active until the end of June.
- 6
Volcanoes
The volcano is still active, so people can’t live too close to it.
- 7
Planning role
She took an active role in planning the conference.
- Phrasetake an active role
be directly involved
- 8
Police investigation
Police say the investigation is still active.
- 9
Chemical reaction
This ingredient becomes active when it touches water.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- activenounadjective
Forms
- activespluralnounadjective