active
AK-tihv
Active (adj) means engaging in physical movement or exercise regularly. Example: “My grandfather is still very active and walks five miles every morning.”
adj
1
Engaging in physical movement or exercise regularly.
"My grandfather is still very active and walks five miles every morning."
"Children need to be active for at least an hour each day."
"She stays active by cycling to work every day."
2
Currently functioning, in use, or in progress.
"Is your account still active, or has it been closed?"
"The volcano is still active and could erupt at any time."
"His membership is active until the end of the year."
3
Grammar: describing a sentence structure where the subject performs the action, as opposed to the passive voice.
"Try changing this sentence to the active voice to make it clearer."
"Writers are often told to prefer the active form because it sounds more direct."
""The dog chased the ball" is written in the active voice."
How to use active
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing things, moving, or currently in operation — the opposite of passive or dormant.
Common mistake
In grammar, don't confuse active voice (subject does the action: "she wrote the letter") with passive voice (subject receives the action: "the letter was written").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
stay active
active volcano
active voice
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Word forms
- Plural
- actives
- Comparative
- more active
- Superlative
- most active
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My grandfather is still very _____ and walks five miles every morning.
Etymology
From Old French actif, from Latin activus, from agere ("to do, act").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for active
See all rhymes for active →Frequently asked questions
What does “active” mean?
The word “active” means engaging in physical movement or exercise regularly. In plain terms, doing things, moving, or currently in operation — the opposite of passive or dormant.
How do you pronounce “active”?
“Active” is pronounced AK-tihv (/ˈæk.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “active” in a sentence?
Here is “active” used in a sentence: “She stays active by cycling to work every day.”
What is another word for “active”?
Words with a similar meaning to “active” include abuzz, agile, airy, alive, animate and animated.
What is the opposite of “active”?
The opposite of “active” — its antonyms — are enervated, extinct, haggard, inactive and lither.
What part of speech is “active”?
“Active” is an adjective.
Where does the word “active” come from?
The word “active” comes from Latin. From Old French actif, from Latin activus, from agere ("to do, act").
Is “active” a common word?
“Active” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between active and passive?
'Active' describes taking part, moving, or making things happen through your own effort. 'Passive' means accepting what happens without acting, staying still or letting others take the lead. An active person exercises and initiates; a passive one waits and receives. The pair are direct opposites in both physical and figurative senses.
Why is being physically active important?
Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, muscles, and bones, helps manage weight, and lowers the risk of many chronic illnesses. It also boosts mood, energy, and sleep by releasing beneficial brain chemicals. Staying active doesn't require intense training — regular walking, cycling, or everyday movement all count and add up.
What is the opposite of active?
In the sense of physical movement, the main opposites are 'inactive', 'sedentary', and 'idle', describing little or no exercise. In behaviour, 'passive' is the key antonym, meaning unresponsive or not taking initiative. 'Lazy' and 'sluggish' are informal opposites that add a sense of reluctance to move.
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