activity
14 synonyms and 2 antonyms for activity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state of being busy or full of movement and action.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use activity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French activité, from Latin activitas, ultimately from agere ("to do, act").
Full origin of activity →Frequently asked questions
What does “activity” mean?
The word “activity” means the state of being busy or full of movement and action. In plain terms, movement, busyness, or something specific that people do, often for exercise, fun, or work.
How do you pronounce “activity”?
“Activity” is pronounced ak-TIHV-ih-tee (/ækˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “activity” in a sentence?
Here is “activity” used in a sentence: “The market was full of activity early in the morning.”
What is another word for “activity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “activity” include doings, endeavor, enterprise, pursuance, pursuit and undertaking.
What is the opposite of “activity”?
The opposite of “activity” — its antonyms — are rest and passivity.
What part of speech is “activity”?
“Activity” is a noun.
Where does the word “activity” come from?
The word “activity” comes from Latin. From Middle French activité, from Latin activitas, ultimately from agere ("to do, act").
Is “activity” a common word?
“Activity” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between activity and action?
An action is a single, specific thing done — one deed or movement. Activity is the broader state of being busy, the ongoing movement made up of many actions. One action is a single step, while activity is the general bustle and busyness surrounding it.
What is the difference between an activity and a task?
A task is a specific piece of work with a clear goal to complete, like "send the report." An activity is broader — any occupation or pursuit that keeps you busy, such as hiking or reading. Tasks tend to be duties, while activities can also be done for enjoyment.
What are the types of activity?
Activity takes many forms: physical activity such as exercise and sport, mental activity such as reading or problem-solving, social activity with others, and economic activity in business. In each case, the common thread is movement, action, and being actively engaged rather than idle.
What is the opposite of activity?
The opposite of activity is inactivity, rest, or stillness — a state of little movement or action. Words like idleness, inaction, and dormancy also capture that absence of the busyness and motion that "activity" describes when nothing much is happening.