active
adjective
UKˈæk.tɪvUSˈæk.tɪv
engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits; being in a state of action, operation, or motion
Example Sentences
He leads an active lifestyle by running every morning before work.
The volcano has been active for decades, occasionally spewing lava and ash.
Children are typically very active, jumping and playing without getting tired.
It’s crucial to stay active as you age, whether by walking, exercising, or practicing gentle stretching routines.
She remains active in her local community, volunteering at the neighborhood center whenever she can.
An active mind is often fueled by curiosity, seeking out new ideas and challenges on a daily basis.
Despite having a busy schedule, maintaining an active social life was important to her, so she organized regular gatherings that allowed friends from different backgrounds to connect, network, and share experiences in a relaxed environment.
Many experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week to keep the body active and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, underscoring the positive impact of regular exercise on overall health.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
noun (countable)
UKˈæk.tɪvUSˈæk.tɪv
in grammar, the active voice; also used in certain contexts to refer to an individual or element that takes action rather than remaining passive
Example Sentences
In English grammar, the active is often more direct and dynamic than the passive.
Switching from the passive to the active can make your sentences more engaging.
Writers are encouraged to use the active for clearer, stronger statements in formal writing.
Though sometimes the passive voice is useful, the active often sounds more natural in everyday speech.
Her editor suggested rewriting several passive sentences in the active to make the text flow more smoothly.
Most style guides recommend writing in the active to emphasize the subject performing the action.
By consistently using the active in his short stories, the author created a sense of urgency, drawing the reader into the characters' immediate experiences and ensuring that each event felt closely tied to a specific actor or decision.
Students sometimes struggle with identifying the active, but practicing sentence transformations from passive helps them master active constructions and sharpen their overall writing skills.
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How to Use
Describes something engaged, moving, or in operation, not idle or inert.As an adjective, “active” typically applies to any entity—person, machine, system, or process—that is moving, functioning, or involved in some form of energy or engagement. When describing a person, saying “she leads an active lifestyle” implies regular exercise, participation in sports, or constant movement rather than being sedentary. In a work context, an “active role” indicates someone’s direct and ongoing involvement in tasks or decision-making rather than remaining passive.“Active” can also appear in contexts like grammar, where an “active voice” emphasizes the subject performing the action (“The chef cooked dinner”) rather than receiving it (“Dinner was cooked by the chef”). Using “active voice” often makes writing more direct and clear. Beyond grammar and daily life, “active” might describe a piece of equipment currently turned on or functioning, like an “active alarm system,” indicating it’s live and monitoring for triggers.When employing “active,” think about the context: Are you referring to physical movement, mental engagement, operational status, or rhetorical style? Pair it with nouns that clarify the domain, such as “active participant,” “active system,” or “active role.” This helps listeners or readers immediately grasp what’s in motion or contributing energy. If you need to stress a higher level of intensity, use comparatives or superlatives—“more active” or “most active”—which show incremental degrees of liveliness or engagement. Overall, “active” underscores that someone or something is switched on, exerting effort, or playing a deliberate, driving part in a situation.
Alternatives
Synonyms for “active” hinge on context and the degree of energy or involvement you want to convey. If you’re emphasizing physical dynamism, “energetic,” “lively,” or “vigorous” may fit best; each implies spirited movement or enthusiasm. “Dynamic” highlights continuous change or forward momentum, often used in discussions about individuals who quickly adapt or environments in flux, such as a “dynamic market.”For situations focusing on operational status, “operative” or “functioning” can be apt—like a “functioning system” that isn’t idle. If you’re describing consistent participation or engagement in a project, “involved” or “engaged” may capture the sense of hands-on effort. “Bustling” or “busy” might serve when you want to evoke an image of a place or event teeming with activity. Meanwhile, “on the go” is more informal, painting a picture of someone always doing something, from errands to meetings. Choosing the right synonym depends on whether you want to highlight physical motion, mental engagement, or a system’s operational status—and how formal or casual your setting is. Each term carries its own flavor of action, so pick the one that sharpens your point and resonates with your audience.
Writing
When writing with “active,” you can sharpen descriptions and demonstrate that someone or something is taking initiative rather than passively existing. For example, in a short story, describing your main character as “active” can quickly signal they’ll push the plot forward—by volunteering for a quest, pursuing a goal, or brainstorming ideas. Pair “active” with vivid verbs to emphasize movement or agency: “She sprinted toward the door, fully active and alert.”In essays or professional documents, “active” can clarify responsibility: “Managers took an active role in the budget plan,” leaves no doubt that they participated directly. Stylistically, employing an active voice in your sentences also creates clarity and momentum, pulling readers along. Consider the difference: “The marketing strategy was executed by the team” (passive) versus “The team actively executed the marketing strategy” (active). The latter frames the team as decisive actors in the process.Though “active” on its own isn’t strictly formal or informal, how you present it matters. If you’re discussing job performance or strategic moves, it can sound professional. If you’re describing a day at the beach or a workout, it feels laid-back but motivating. Keep the surrounding language in sync: formal contexts may pair it with terms like “initiative,” “involvement,” or “implementation,” while casual settings might lean toward “energetic,” “up and about,” or “always on the move.” By weaving “active” thoughtfully into your writing, you highlight autonomy, energy, and the drive to move forward.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, “active” is a friendly go-to word for describing anything that’s in motion or engaged. You might say, “I’m trying to stay active by walking every morning,” or “He’s super active in volunteering, always joining new projects.” Friends often use it to chat about personal routines: “She has such an active lifestyle—running marathons, hiking on weekends, you name it.” In personal contexts, it resonates as a blend of positivity and healthful living.You might also drop “active” when explaining why you can’t join an event, as in “I’m pretty active with my kids’ sports teams right now—I barely have any free time!” Alternatively, referencing your “active” role at work can politely indicate your workload: “I’m so active on this new project, I’m swamped.” In these casual cases, “active” subtly conveys involvement and busyness. Whether you’re describing yourself, a place, or an event, it highlights that something is bustling, lively, or fully operational. It also underscores an upbeat sense of participation—like you’re not just watching from the sidelines, but diving in. So if you want to show that you’re genuinely part of the action, sprinkling in “active” keeps your conversation bright and engaging without sounding too stiff.
Etymology
The adjective “active” comes from the Latin “activus,” based on “actum,” the past participle of “agere,” which translates to “do,” “drive,” or “lead.” Roman usage emphasized the element of motion or engagement—someone who was “activus” wasn’t idle; they took action. As Latin influenced Old French, the term evolved into “actif,” later making its way into Middle English.Historically, “active” held connotations of both physical and mental exertion, paralleling the notion that real influence or change requires doing rather than observing. Over centuries, it stayed true to this core sense, filtering into modern English as a succinct way to note that something is in motion, alive with energy, or deeply involved in a process. Today, it’s a staple in daily conversation, scientific terminology (e.g., “active ingredient”), grammar (active voice), and philosophical discourse about the difference between passivity and agency. In all such uses, “active” suggests forward momentum—reflections of that original Latin idea that things happen because someone is driving them forward.
