active
gb/ˈæktɪv/ us/ˈæktɪv/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
physically or mentally engaged
Doing things and not resting; busy or moving.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is active
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'active' with 'actual', but they have different meanings.
Synonyms
energetic (Suggests having a lot of energy and enthusiasm.)
Antonyms
inactive (Means not doing anything; idle or at rest.)
Collocations
active lifestyle
|active role
|remain active
|stay active
|physically active
Themes
daily life
|health
|work
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She tries to stay active by going for walks every day.
- He plays an active role in the community project.
- Children are often more active in the mornings.
- Staying active can help improve your health.
- He was active in both sports and music during college.
Learner examples
- I am active in the morning.
- My father is very active at work.
- She is active every weekend.
- We must stay active to be healthy.
adjective
B1
property
2
currently operating or in effect
Working now; being used now.
Usage pattern:
[machine/system] is active
Synonyms
operational (Used especially for systems, machinery, or organizations that are functioning as intended.)
Antonyms
inactive (Not in use or not functioning at the moment.)
Collocations
active account
|active volcano
|active subscription
|active duty
Themes
technology
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The security system is active 24 hours a day.
- That volcano has been active for decades.
- Your account will remain active until you cancel it.
- Active duty soldiers must follow strict regulations.
Learner examples
- The machine is active now.
- My account is still active.
- The volcano is active today.
adjective
technical
B2
property
3
having an ongoing effect in science/medicine
Still working in the body or in a chemical reaction.
Synonyms
potent (Emphasizes strong effect, especially in medicine or chemistry.)
Antonyms
inactive (Lacking effect or no longer effective chemically or biologically.)
Collocations
active ingredient
|active compound
|biologically active
Themes
science
|medicine
|health
Examples
- The active ingredient in this medicine reduces pain.
- These bacteria are still active under low temperatures.
- The lotion contains several biologically active compounds.
Learner examples
- This pill has an active ingredient.
- The cream has an active chemical.
- Active bacteria can make you sick.
adjective
technical
B1
property
4
grammar: subject performs action
In grammar, when the subject does the action of the verb.
Synonyms
non-passive (Highlights contrast with passive voice.)
Antonyms
passive (In grammar, when the subject receives the action of the verb.)
Collocations
active voice
Themes
language
|education
|communication
Examples
- In the sentence 'She writes books', the verb is in the active voice.
- Active sentences are usually clearer and more direct than passive ones.
Learner examples
- 'He eats apples' is an active sentence.
- I like to write in the active voice.
Grammar
Dictionary form
active
IPA
GB/ˈæktɪv/
US/ˈæktɪv/
Syllables & stress
act - ive (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (act)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: active
Word family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
active duty
1/ˈæktɪv dˈuti/
fixed phrase
technical
full-time military service status
Working full-time in the army, navy, etc.
Examples
- She is currently on active duty overseas.
- Active duty soldiers must follow strict schedules.
active role
1/ˈæktɪv ɹˈoʊl/
fixed phrase
important participation in something
A big part in doing something important.
Examples
- He played an active role in organizing the event.
- Parents have an active role in their children's education.
stay active
1/stˈeɪ ˈæktɪv/
fixed phrase
continue being engaged or busy
Keep doing things and not rest for a long time.
Examples
- Older adults are encouraged to stay active to maintain their health.
- She stays active by volunteering at the library every week.
active ingredient
1/ˈæktɪv ɪŋɡɹˈidiənt/
fixed phrase
technical
component that causes main effect
The part of a medicine or product that makes it work.
Examples
- The active ingredient in this tablet is paracetamol.
- The active ingredient in this cream reduces inflammation.
- You should check the label for the active ingredient.
- Always read the label to know the active ingredients in your medicine.