active
/ˈæk.tɪv/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Always busy doing things, moving, or taking part in something. It can also mean lively and full of energy.
- She is very active at work.
- The children were active all morning.
- He leads an active life.
- 2.
In use, happening now, or officially working. It is often used for accounts, plans, phones, and military service.
- My bank account is still active.
- The phone line is active now.
- She is on active duty.
- 3.
Describes a person who likes to take part in sports, exercise, or social life, rather than stay idle.
- He is active in community events.
- They have an active social life.
- I try to stay active every day.
Adinary Nuance
Active is broader than energetic and busy. Use active for someone who moves, takes part, or stays involved; use busy for having many tasks, and energetic for having lots of energy. In formal writing, active also means 'working' or 'in use', as in an active account.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- năng động
- Spanish
- activo
- Chinese
- 活跃
- Japanese
- 活動的な
- Korean
- 활동적인
Etymology
Active comes from Latin activus, from agere, meaning 'to do' or 'to drive'. It entered English through Old French in the 14th century.
Common phrases
active lifeactive dutyactive accountactive role
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is active a positive word?
- Usually, yes. It suggests energy, movement, or useful involvement.
- What is the difference between active and busy?
- Active means doing things or taking part. Busy means having many tasks or little free time.
- Can I say an active person in formal writing?
- Yes. It is common and natural in both spoken and written English.
- What does active account mean?
- It means the account is working and can be used now.