activity
ak-TIHV-ih-tee
Activity (noun) means the state of being busy or full of movement and action. Example: “There was a lot of activity in the kitchen before the party.”
noun
1
The state of being busy or full of movement and action.
"There was a lot of activity in the kitchen before the party."
"The street was quiet, with no sign of activity anywhere."
"The activity for the morning was a walk to the store."
"The market was full of activity early in the morning."
2
A specific action, task, or pursuit, especially one done for enjoyment.
"Chess is a quiet activity that the whole family enjoys."
"The camp offers activities such as canoeing, painting and hiking."
"Swimming is her favorite outdoor activity."
How to use activity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMovement, busyness, or something specific that people do, often for exercise, fun, or work.
Common pairings
physical activity
daily activity
leisure activity
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like activity.
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
- Plural
- activities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was a lot of _____ in the kitchen before the party.
Etymology
From Middle French activité, from Latin activitas, ultimately from agere ("to do, act").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for activity
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include activity:
