active
Noun · AdjectiveWordNet 3.0
Noun (3)
- chemical agent capable of activitySynonyms: active agent
- the voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is performing the action or causing the happening denoted by the verb“`The boy threw the ball' uses the active voice”Synonyms: active voice
- a person who is a participating member of an organization“the club issues a list of members, both the actives and the retirees”
Adjective (14)
- tending to become more severe or wider in scope“active tuberculosis”
- engaged in or ready for military or naval operations“on active duty”“the platoon is combat-ready”“review the fighting forces”Synonyms: combat-readyfighting(a)
- disposed to take action or effectuate change“a director who takes an active interest in corporate operations”“an active antagonism”“he was active in drawing attention to their grievances”
- taking part in an activity“an active member of the club”“he was politically active”“the participating organizations”Synonyms: participating
- characterized by energetic activity“an active toddler”“active as a gazelle”“an active man is a man of action”
- exerting influence or producing a change or effect“an active ingredient”
- full of activity or engaged in continuous activity“an active seaport”“an active bond market”“an active account”
- in operation“keep hope alive”“the tradition was still alive”“an active tradition”Synonyms: alive(p)
- (of the sun) characterized by an increased occurrence of sunspots and flares and radio emissions
- expressing that the subject of the sentence has the semantic function of actor: "Hemingway favors active constructions"
- (used of verbs (e.g. `to run') and participial adjectives (e.g. `running' in `running water')) expressing action rather than a state of beingSynonyms: dynamic
- (of e.g. volcanos) capable of erupting
- (of e.g. volcanos) erupting or liable to erupt“active volcanos”
- engaged in full-time work“active duty”“though past retirement age he is still active in his profession”
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting; -- opposed to passive, that receives; as, certain active principles; the powers of the mind. [1913 Webster]
2.Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble; as, an active child or animal. [1913 Webster]
Active and nervous was his gait.— Wordsworth.[1913 Webster]
3.In action; actually proceeding; working; in force; -- opposed to quiescent, dormant, or extinct; as, active laws; active hostilities; an active volcano. [1913 Webster]
4.Given to action; constantly engaged in action; energetic; diligent; busy; -- opposed to dull, sluggish, indolent, or inert; as, an active man of business; active mind; active zeal. [1913 Webster]
5.Requiring or implying action or exertion; -- opposed to sedentary or to tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes. [1913 Webster]
6.Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative; -- opposed to speculative or theoretical; as, an active rather than a speculative statesman. [1913 Webster]
7.Brisk; lively; as, an active demand for corn. [1913 Webster]
8.Implying or producing rapid action; as, an active disease; an active remedy. [1913 Webster]
9.(Gram.) (a) Applied to a form of the verb; -- opposed to passive. See Active voice, under Voice. (b) Applied to verbs which assert that the subject acts upon or affects something else; transitive. (c) Applied to all verbs that express action as distinct from mere existence or state. [1913 Webster]
Active capital, Active wealth, money, or property that may readily be converted into money. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Agile; alert; brisk; vigorous; nimble; lively; quick; sprightly; prompt; energetic. [1913 Webster]