active

/ˈæk.tɪv/
🔵 Intermediate

Word Statistics

Difficulty LevelIntermediate

Standard vocabulary

Word FrequencyVery Common

Used frequently in everyday conversation

Syllables2

Moderate complexity

Analysis:

  • Common vocabulary word
  • Simple pronunciation
noun

1. A person or thing that is acting or capable of acting.

2. Any component that is not passive. See Passivity (engineering).

adjective

1. Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting;—opposed to passive, that receives.

"certain active principles"

Synonyms: acting
Antonyms: passive

2. Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble.

"an active child or animal"

Synonyms: agile, nimble
Antonyms: indolent, passive, still

3. In action; actually proceeding; working; in force

"active hostilities"

Synonyms: in action, in force, working
Antonyms: dormant, extinct, quiescent

4. Given to action; constantly engaged in action; energetic; diligent; busy

"active mind"

Synonyms: busy, deedful, diligent, energetic
Antonyms: dull, indolent, inert, sluggish

5. Requiring or implying action or exertion

"active employment or service"

Synonyms: operative
Antonyms: passive, sedentary, tranquil

6. Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative

"an active rather than a speculative statesman"

Antonyms: speculative, theoretical

7. Brisk; lively.

"an active demand for corn"

8. Implying or producing rapid action.

"an active disease"

Antonyms: passive, slow

9. (heading, grammar) About verbs.

10. (of source code) Eligible to be processed by a compiler or interpreter.

11. Not passive.

12. (gay sexual slang) (of a homosexual man) enjoying a role in anal sex in which he penetrates, rather than being penetrated by his partner.

Synonyms: top
Antonyms: bottom, passive

Synonyms

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