ENGLISH
REFERENCE

active

adj. · n.
US //ˈæktɪv// UK //ˈæktɪv// ac·tive
  1. 1 physically busy (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    doing a lot of things and moving around often.

    characterised by energetic movement or constant engagement in physical or social activities.

    Example

    Even at eighty years old, my grandfather remains very active and walks every morning.

    Example

    The community centre offers various programmes designed to keep senior citizens socially and physically active throughout their retirement.
  2. 2 currently working (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    functioning or in use right now.

    currently operational, in force, or functioning as intended.

    Example

    Is your account still active, or did you close it last month?

    Example

    The volcano is still considered active, although it has not produced a major eruption for several decades.
Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 grammar (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic Grammar

    a type of sentence where the person or thing doing the action is the subject.

    relating to the voice of a verb where the subject is the doer of the action.

    Example

    In the sentence 'The cat chased the mouse,' the verb is in the active voice.

    Example

    The editor advised the author to use the active voice to make the narrative more direct and engaging for the reader.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun 'voice' or used to describe a specific verb form.
  2. 4 involved in a role (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    taking a lead or busy part in a specific group or activity.

    participating effectively or having a practical effect in a specific context.

    Example

    She takes an active role in the school's parent-teacher association.

    Example

    The government must take an active interest in renewable energy if it hopes to meet its climate targets by the end of the decade.
  3. 5 sexual role (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    a term used to describe the partner who takes the leading or penetrating role during sex.

    denoting the partner who performs penetration during sexual intercourse.

    Example

    He described himself as active when talking about his dating preferences.

    Example

    The survey included questions about sexual health for men who take an active role in same-sex relationships.

    Teacher's tip

    This term is common in LGBTQ+ contexts; learners should be aware it is informal and specifically refers to sexual roles.
  4. 6 electronics (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    a part of a machine or circuit that can change or control electricity.

    a circuit component, such as a transistor, capable of controlling voltages or currents to produce gain.

    Example

    The engineer replaced the active components on the circuit board to fix the signal.

    Example

    Active devices require an external power source to operate, unlike resistors or capacitors which are purely passive.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Proto-Indo-European *-wósder. Latin -īvus ▲ Ancient Greek ἐνεργητῐκός (energētĭkós)sl. Latin āctīvusbor. Old French actifbor. Middle English actyf English active From Middle English actyf, from Old French actif, from Latin āctīv(us), from agere (“to do, to act”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti. By surface analysis, act + -ive.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference