# interactive

/ˌɪnɝˈæktɪv/ (US) · /ˌɪntəɹˈæktɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interactive
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. responding to a user

adjective · CEFR B1

allowing information to pass between a person and a computer or device.

For teachers: allowing a two-way flow of information between a computer and a user; responding to user input in real time.

- The website has an interactive map that shows you the best walking routes.
- The software features an interactive dashboard that allows analysts to manipulate variables and observe potential outcomes in real time.

### 2. people working together

adjective · CEFR B2

involving people talking to each other or working together.

For teachers: involving or promoting communication and mutual influence between people.

- The teacher used interactive games to help the students practice speaking.
- The workshop was designed to be highly interactive, encouraging participants to challenge each other's assumptions through structured debate.

### 3. a display or feature

noun · CEFR C1 · General-service

a physical display or digital feature that you can use or play with.

For teachers: a specific feature, often in a museum or exhibition, designed to be operated or engaged with by the public.

- The science museum has several interactives that explain how electricity works.
- Curators installed a series of digital interactives throughout the gallery to provide historical context without cluttering the walls with text.

Usage: Often used in the plural when referring to museum exhibits.

## Examples

- The museum has many interactive displays for children.
- The new software includes an interactive tutorial that responds to the user's specific mistakes in real time.
- Modern educational theory suggests that interactive environments, where students must manipulate variables to see outcomes, lead to deeper conceptual understanding than passive observation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.