Definition of active

Short definition: The word Active describes someone or something that is energetic, busy, or involved in doing things, often showing movement, effort, or participation in daily life, work, sports, or social activities.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word active? The word active is often used to describe people who move a lot, think fast, or like being involved instead of just watching from the side. But it doesn’t only apply to physical energy—it can also describe an active mind, an active role in a community, or even something that is currently working and not shut down. In daily life, active usually carries a positive feeling, connected to motivation, participation, and taking action. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way with long examples that sound natural in everyday conversations.

Comparatives: more active, most active
Related: actively adv., activity n., activism n.
Syllable: ac-tive

1. Full of energy and always moving or doing things instead of staying still for too long.
   Even after a long day at work, she stays active by going for evening walks, because it helps her clear her mind and keep her body healthy.
   The children are very active during recess, running around and laughing instead of sitting quietly.
   He tries to stay active on weekends, choosing outdoor activities instead of spending the whole day in front of a screen.

   Synonyms: energetic, lively, dynamic, busy, on the move, physically engaged, full of life, energetic-minded, always moving, high-energy, vigorous, spirited
   Antonyms: inactive, lazy, idle, sluggish, passive, tired, sleepy, unenergetic, slow-moving, dull, motionless, lifeless

2. Taking part in something instead of only watching or waiting on the side.
   She plays an active role in her community, always volunteering whenever help is needed.
   He stayed active in class discussions, sharing his ideas instead of keeping quiet.
   The manager wants everyone to be more active in meetings, so the team can grow through open communication.

   Synonyms: involved, engaged, participating, hands-on, proactive, committed, taking part, contributing, cooperative, responsive, supportive, action-oriented
   Antonyms: uninvolved, detached, passive, uninterested, silent, withdrawn, distant, nonparticipating, inactive-minded, indifferent, unconcerned, disengaged

3. Currently working, functioning, or in use instead of being stopped or shut down.
   Her social media account is still active, even though she doesn’t post as often as before.
   The factory remains active during the holiday season, because demand for the product increases.
   He keeps his old phone number active, just in case someone important needs to reach him.

   Synonyms: running, working, operational, functioning, in use, live, enabled, open, ongoing, switched on, available, current
   Antonyms: inactive, shut down, disabled, turned off, closed, out of service, stopped, paused, frozen, offline, unavailable, dormant

4. Using your mind in a curious, alert, and thoughtful way.
   She keeps an active mind by reading every day, always trying to learn something new.
   His active imagination helps him create stories that feel real and exciting to readers.
   The workshop encourages students to stay active mentally, asking questions instead of just memorizing facts.

   Synonyms: alert, sharp-minded, mentally engaged, curious, thoughtful, quick-thinking, imaginative, aware, attentive, intellectually alive, mentally energetic, focused
   Antonyms: dull-minded, bored, distracted, sleepy-minded, unthinking, unaware, careless, inattentive, slow-thinking, mentally tired, unfocused, indifferent

5. Taking action to support a cause, belief, or change in society.
   She is very active in environmental movements, organizing events to raise awareness about climate change.
   He became more active in social causes, after realizing how much his voice could matter.
   The students stayed active in pushing for better facilities, proving that young voices can make a difference.

   Synonyms: outspoken, involved in causes, socially engaged, campaigning, proactive in change, advocacy-driven, movement-focused, change-oriented, community-minded, reform-minded, cause-driven, action-focused
   Antonyms: indifferent to issues, silent supporter, uninvolved citizen, passive observer, apolitical, unconcerned, disengaged from causes, neutral bystander, inactive supporter, silent watcher, detached observer, noncommitted

6. (Grammar) Describing a sentence where the subject performs the action.
   In the sentence “She wrote the letter,” the verb is in the active voice, because the subject is clearly doing the action.
   Teachers often prefer the active voice, because it makes writing sound clearer and more direct.
   Using the active form in your writing helps your message feel stronger and more confident.

   Synonyms: direct voice, subject-driven form, action-focused structure, clear construction, strong sentence style, straightforward grammar, agent-focused voice, dynamic sentence form, doer-focused style, simple structure, clear voice, active structure
   Antonyms: passive voice, indirect form, object-focused structure, weak sentence style, unclear construction, passive construction, receiver-focused form, vague grammar, softened style, indirect sentence, less direct voice, passive structure