active
 ac·tive (ăkʹtĭv)adj.
1. Being in physical motion:
active fish in the aquarium.
2. Functioning or capable of functioning.
3.
a. Marked by energetic activity; busy:
active stock and bond markets; spent an active day sightseeing.
b. Involving or requiring physical exertion and energy:
an active workout at the gym.
4.
a. Being in a state of action; not quiescent:
active hostilities along the border.
b. Erupting or liable to erupt; not dormant:
an active volcano.
5.
a. Marked by or involving direct participation:
took an active interest in politics; played an active role on the committee.
b. Currently in use or effect:
an active membership.
c. Openly acknowledged or expressed:
an active dislike of the new neighbors.
6. Producing an intended action or effect:
active ingredients.
7. Grammar.
a. Indicating that the subject of the sentence is performing or causing the action expressed by the verb. Used of a verb form or voice.
b. Expressing action rather than a state of being. Used of verbs such as run, speak, and move.
8. Producing profit, interest, or dividends:
active accounts; active stocks.
9. Electronics.
a. Being a source of electrical energy, as a generator.
b. Capable of converting or amplifying voltages or currents, as a diode or transistor.
10. Being on full military duty and receiving full pay.n.
1. Grammar.
a. The active voice.
b. A construction or form in the active voice.
2. A participating member of an organization:
union actives. [Middle English actif, from Old French, from Latin āctīvus, from āctus, past participle of agere, to drive, do. See ag- in Indo-European Roots.] acʹtive·ly adv.acʹtive·ness n.
Synonyms: active, energetic, dynamic, vigorous, lively
These adjectives mean engaged in activity. Active means moving, doing, or functioning: an active toddler; an active imagination; saw active service in the army. Energetic suggests sustained enthusiastic activity: an energetic competitor. Dynamic connotes energy and forcefulness that often inspires others: a dynamic leader. Vigorous implies healthy strength and robustness: a vigorous crusader against drunk driving. Lively suggests animated alertness: a lively interest in politics.
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