Activity: meaning, definitions and examples

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activity

 

[ ˌaktɪvˈɪti ]

Context #1 | Noun

physical or mental action

The condition in which things are happening or being done. It can involve physical or mental actions, and often implies movement or energy.

Synonyms

action, operation, pursuit, task.

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Word Description / Examples
activity

Used for general or casual actions, often in the context of leisure, hobbies, or group engagements.

  • Outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are popular in the spring
  • The kids took part in various activities at the summer camp
action

Refers to a specific act or deed, often implying movement or initiative. It can be used formally or informally.

  • His quick action prevented the accident
  • The action of moving the furniture took all afternoon
operation

Typically used in technical, medical, or business contexts to describe a set of actions carried out to achieve a specific result.

  • The operation to repair the bridge will take several months
  • The company has several operations overseas
task

Describes a specific piece of work to be done, usually implying a certain amount of effort or responsibility. Often used in work or educational settings.

  • Completing the report was a difficult task
  • She was given the task of organizing the event
pursuit

Used to describe an activity that someone engages in regularly, often requiring effort or dedication.

  • Her main pursuit outside of work is painting
  • He dedicated years to the pursuit of his degree

Examples of usage

  • Regular physical activity is important for maintaining good health.
  • Her favorite activity is hiking in the mountains.
  • The children were engaged in a creative activity during art class.
Context #2 | Noun

a specific action or pursuit

A particular form of action or pursuit, often undertaken for enjoyment or interest.

Synonyms

hobby, interest, leisure activity, pastime.

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Word Description / Examples
activity

Refers to any action or task that someone might do. It is a general term and can be used in many situations.

  • We have a lot of activities planned for the weekend.
  • Physical activity is important for maintaining good health.
pastime

An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; often used to describe something that helps pass the time pleasantly.

  • Fishing is a common pastime for many people.
  • One of her favorite pastimes is solving puzzles.
hobby

An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. It conveys a sense of enjoyment and personal interest.

  • Her hobbies include painting and cycling.
  • Gardening is a relaxing hobby.
interest

Refers to a feeling of wanting to learn more about something or being engaged in a particular subject or activity. It can be both a noun and a verb.

  • He has a strong interest in classic literature.
  • My interests include photography and hiking.
leisure activity

Refers to activities someone does in their free time, often to relax and have fun. It commonly implies a break from work or daily responsibilities.

  • Reading is a popular leisure activity.
  • During the weekend, we engage in various leisure activities, like picnicking and watching movies.

Examples of usage

  • Reading is a favorite activity of hers.
  • Swimming is a popular summer activity.
  • Gardening can be a relaxing and rewarding activity.
Context #3 | Noun

a commercial operation or organization

A form of work, business, or operation that involves a specific function or purpose.

Synonyms

business, enterprise, operation, venture.

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Word Description / Examples
activity

General term for any action or task that someone does.

  • Hiking is my favorite outdoor activity
  • The students participated in various activities during the school festival
business

Refers to a company or an organization that buys and sells goods or services.

  • She started her own business selling handmade jewelry
  • The restaurant is a family-owned business
enterprise

Often used to describe a larger or more complex business or project, sometimes highlighting initiative and risk-taking.

  • He is the CEO of a major international enterprise
  • The new software enterprise aims to revolutionize the industry
operation

Describes the functioning or the process of running a business or a specific action within a broader context.

  • The company's operations have expanded to include multiple regions
  • Ensuring smooth operation is crucial for efficiency
venture

Refers to a business project or startup, especially one that involves risk. It often talks about new or innovative businesses.

  • They launched a new tech venture last year
  • Investing in a venture can be very rewarding but also risky

Examples of usage

  • The company expanded its activities to overseas markets.
  • The charity organization focuses its activities on helping the homeless.
  • The factory was a hub of activity during the peak production season.
Context #4 | Noun

a state of being active

The state of being active, lively, or energetically engaged in a particular pursuit or endeavor.

Synonyms

busyness, energy, liveliness, vibrancy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
activity

Used to describe any type of organized action or task, often in the context of events, plans, or exercises.

  • The kids enjoyed various activities at the summer camp
  • The activity at the construction site started early in the morning
liveliness

Descriptive of a spirited or animated state, often used to describe people, discussions, or atmospheres.

  • Her liveliness made her the center of attention at the party
  • The liveliness of the debate kept the audience engaged
vibrancy

Describes a vividness or striking quality, often used in the context of colors, a place's atmosphere, or cultural activities.

  • The vibrancy of the city's nightlife is unparalleled
  • The vibrancy of the artwork caught everyone's eye at the gallery
energy

Refers to the physical or mental strength and enthusiasm required to do things, often used to describe a person's demeanor or attitude.

  • He has so much energy in the mornings
  • The team's energy was high before the big game
busyness

Describes a state of having many things to do, often used when someone feels overwhelmed or rushed.

  • She felt the busyness of city life overwhelming
  • The busyness of the holiday season can be exhausting

Examples of usage

  • The park was full of activity on a sunny weekend.
  • The market showed signs of activity as traders set up their stalls.
  • The nightlife in the city is known for its vibrant activity.

Translations

Translations of the word "activity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atividade

🇮🇳 गतिविधि

🇩🇪 Aktivität

🇮🇩 aktivitas

🇺🇦 діяльність

🇵🇱 aktywność

🇯🇵 活動 (katsudō)

🇫🇷 activité

🇪🇸 actividad

🇹🇷 aktivite

🇰🇷 활동 (hwaldong)

🇸🇦 نشاط (nashat)

🇨🇿 aktivita

🇸🇰 aktivita

🇨🇳 活动 (huódòng)

🇸🇮 aktivnost

🇮🇸 virkni

🇰🇿 белсенділік

🇬🇪 აქტივობა (aqtivoba)

🇦🇿 fəaliyyət

🇲🇽 actividad

Etymology

The word 'activity' dates back to the mid-16th century, derived from the Middle French word 'activité' and the Latin word 'activitas'. It has been used to describe various forms of actions, pursuits, and states of being engaged in lively or energetic endeavors. Over time, 'activity' has become a common term in everyday language to refer to a wide range of actions, from physical movements to mental engagements.

See also: act, acting, action, actionable, activate, active, actively, activists, actor, actress, acts, actual, counteractant, enact, inactivity, overact, react, transact.

Word Frequency Rank

At #522 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.