activist
gb/ˈæktɪvɪst/ us/ˈæktɪvɪst/
B1
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Person promoting social or political change
Someone who works to change laws, rules, or ideas in society.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is an activist for [cause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'activist' with 'active', but 'activist' is always about working for a cause, not just being busy or energetic.
Synonyms
campaigner (Often used for someone working to promote a cause, especially in politics or social issues.)
|
advocate (Emphasizes speaking or writing in favor of a cause rather than direct action.)
Antonyms
bystander (Refers to someone who does not take part in events or causes.)
|
opponent (Refers to someone actively against the cause supported by the activist.)
Collocations
political activist
|human rights activist
|environmental activist
|student activist
|community activist
Themes
politics
|society
|environment
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The environmental activist organized a beach cleanup to raise awareness about plastic pollution.
- She became a well-known human rights activist after her work in refugee camps.
- Several activists protested outside the government building.
- The student activists demanded changes to the university's policies.
- An animal rights activist rescued injured wildlife after the storm.
Learner examples
- The activist spoke about clean water.
- He is an activist for animal rights.
- Many activists walked in the march.
- The activist wants better laws.
- She works as an activist for peace.
Grammar
Dictionary form
activist
IPA
GB/ˈæktɪvɪst/
US/ˈæktɪvɪst/
Syllables & stress
act - iv - ist (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (act)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: activist
- Plural: activists
Word family
Forms
activists
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
proactive
adjective B2
activator
noun
Expressions
environmental activist
1/ɪnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl ˈæktɪvɪst/
fixed phrase
Person protecting the environment
Someone who works to keep nature and the planet safe.
Examples
- The environmental activist planted trees in the city park.
- Environmental activists protested against the new oil pipeline.
human rights activist
1/hjˈumən ɹˈaɪts ˈæktɪvɪst/
fixed phrase
Person fighting for human rights
Someone who works to protect people's basic freedoms and rights.
Examples
- The human rights activist spoke at the United Nations.
- Human rights activists are calling for the release of political prisoners.
political activist
1/pəlˈɪtɪkəl ˈæktɪvɪst/
fixed phrase
Person seeking political reform
Someone who works to change politics or government.
Examples
- The political activist campaigned for fair elections.
- Many political activists use social media to share their message.