Active Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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active

[ˈæktɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

lifestyle

Engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits.

Synonyms

busy, dynamic, energetic, lively, vigorous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
active	Used to describe a person who is always engaged in activities or someone who enjoys physical movement and exercises regularly. She's very active and goes hiking every weekend The club has many active members
energetic	Describes someone who has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, typically relating to physical activity or enthusiastic behavior. The kids were so energetic after eating the cake He gave a very energetic performance on stage
dynamic	Refers to a person or situation that is constantly changing and full of energy, often used in professional and business contexts. She is a dynamic leader who always motivates her team The market is very dynamic and requires quick adaptation
vigorous	Often describes someone who is strong, healthy, and full of energy, particularly in physical actions or efforts. He leads a vigorous workout every morning The vigorous debate lasted for hours
lively	Typically refers to someone who is full of life and spirit, or a place that is bustling and vibrant. She has a very lively personality The party was lively with music and dance
busy	Describes a person who has a lot of tasks or activities to attend to, often related to work or daily obligations. He's too busy to join us for dinner tonight The store is always busy on weekends

Examples of usage

He's a very active person, always hiking or biking.
Children need to be active to stay healthy and fit.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

workplace

Engaged in action; characterized by energetic work, participation, etc.

Synonyms

contributing, engaged, involved, participating, proactive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
active	Describes someone who is physically or mentally busy or energetic. She leads an active lifestyle, running every morning and attending yoga classes. The active volcano posed a threat to the nearby villages.
engaged	Indicative of someone who is fully immersed or very involved in an activity or task. The students were engaged in a lively discussion about the book. She remained engaged throughout the entire meeting.
involved	Used to describe someone who is taking part in an activity or being a part of something. He is involved in numerous charity organizations. Getting involved in the project early on can help ensure its success.
participating	Describes someone who is taking part in an event or an activity. All employees are encouraged to participate in the annual team-building event. She was excited about participating in the marathon for the first time.
contributing	Refers to someone who is providing help or resources towards a shared goal or project. He has been contributing to the community garden by planting flowers. The scientist is contributing valuable research to the field of oncology.
proactive	Refers to someone who takes action in advance to deal with an expected challenge rather than responding to it after it has happened. Being proactive in your studies can prevent last-minute cramming before exams. The company took a proactive approach to address potential security issues.

Examples of usage

She is an active member of the team, always contributing ideas and solutions.
The company encourages active participation in decision-making processes.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

chemistry

Having the power of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion.

Synonyms

effective, functional, operating, potent, powerful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
active	Used when describing something that is currently in motion, engaged in action, or participating. She is an active member of the community. The volcano is still active.
effective	Appropriate when describing something that produces the desired or intended result. The new policy has proven to be very effective in reducing costs. Vitamin C is effective in boosting the immune system.
potent	Used to describe something that is very powerful, often relating to effects or abilities. The medicine is extremely potent and should be taken with caution. He delivered a potent speech that moved the audience.
powerful	Used to describe something with great power, influence, or impact. She is a powerful leader. The storm was incredibly powerful, causing widespread damage.
operating	Appropriate for describing something that is currently in operation or use. The factory has been operating at full capacity. Are the elevators operating correctly?
functional	Used to describe something that is working properly or serving its intended purpose. The new website is fully functional. Despite its age, the machine is still functional.

Examples of usage

The active ingredient in the medicine is known for its effectiveness.
The catalyst plays an active role in the chemical reaction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Being active can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, thanks to the release of endorphins.
Studies show that regular physical activity enhances cognitive function, helping with memory and learning.

Education

Active learning encourages participation, making classrooms more engaging and effective for students.
Educational programs that incorporate movement can enhance children's focus and retention of information.

Health

Regular physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle, helping to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for overall well-being.

Pop Culture

The fitness movement in the 1980s introduced active lifestyles into pop culture through aerobics and workout videos.
Many superheroes in comic books and movies are depicted as active figures, inspiring audiences to embrace fitness.

Origin of 'active'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'activus', meaning 'doing' or 'effective', highlighting its connection to action.
In Middle English, the term 'active' was used to describe something that was lively or energetic.

The word 'active' originated from the Middle English word 'actif', which came from the Old French word 'actif'. The Latin root 'activus' means 'pertaining to action'. The concept of being active has been valued throughout history, with emphasis on physical activity, engagement, and effectiveness in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #817 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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814 separate
815 appeared
816 friend
817 active
818 individuals
819 truth
820 benefit
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