actively
AK-tihv-lee
Actively (adv) means In a way that involves energetic or deliberate effort, rather than passively. Example: “Children learn best when they are actively involved in the lesson.”
adv
1
In a way that involves energetic or deliberate effort, rather than passively.
"Children learn best when they are actively involved in the lesson."
"He has been actively looking for a flat near the station."
"The company is actively recruiting new engineers."
How to use actively
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something with deliberate, ongoing effort rather than just letting it happen.
Common pairings
actively looking
actively involved
actively participate
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like actively.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more actively
- Superlative
- most actively
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Children learn best when they are _____ involved in the lesson.
Etymology
From active plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
passively
Related words
Rhymes for actively
See all rhymes for actively →Frequently asked questions
What does “actively” mean?
The word “actively” means in a way that involves energetic or deliberate effort, rather than passively. In plain terms, doing something with deliberate, ongoing effort rather than just letting it happen.
How do you pronounce “actively”?
“Actively” is pronounced AK-tihv-lee (/ˈæktɪvli/ in IPA).
How do you use “actively” in a sentence?
Here is “actively” used in a sentence: “The company is actively recruiting new engineers.”
What part of speech is “actively”?
“Actively” is an adverb.
Is “actively” a common word?
“Actively” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'actively' and 'passively'?
'Actively' describes doing something with energetic or deliberate effort, while 'passively' describes accepting or allowing something without taking action. For example, actively listening means engaging and responding, whereas passively listening means simply hearing without real involvement.
What is the difference between 'actively' and 'proactively'?
'Actively' means putting energy and deliberate effort into something as it happens, while 'proactively' adds the idea of acting in advance to prepare for or prevent a future situation. You can actively work on a current task, but you behave proactively when you anticipate problems before they arise.
What words commonly follow 'actively'?
'Actively' is often paired with verbs and participles such as seeking, pursuing, involved, engaged, encouraging, and looking, as in 'actively seeking work' or 'actively involved in the project'. It usually sits just before the verb or participle it describes.
Where does 'actively' go in a sentence?
As an adverb, 'actively' normally comes directly before the main verb, as in 'she actively supports the cause', or before a past participle such as 'actively encouraged'. This placement stresses that the action is done with deliberate effort rather than by chance.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include actively:
