energetic
gb/ˌɛnɚd͡ʒˈɛtɪk/ us/ˌɛnɚd͡ʒˈɛtɪk/
A2
English
~ 6300
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
full of physical or mental energy
Having a lot of energy and being very active or lively.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is energetic
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'energetic' with 'energy' and say *'I am energy'*. The correct form is 'I am energetic' or 'I have a lot of energy.' Another mistake is overusing 'very' (*'very very energetic'*); usually one 'very' is enough.
Synonyms
lively (Focuses on being bright and full of life; can also suggest being cheerful or animated.)
|
active (Emphasizes doing many things or moving a lot; slightly more neutral than 'energetic'.)
|
dynamic (Suggests energy plus strong drive or forceful personality, often in a positive way.)
Antonyms
tired (Describes someone who lacks energy at a particular moment.)
|
lethargic (Stronger than 'tired'; suggests unusually low energy and slow movement.)
|
sluggish (Emphasizes very slow movement or reaction due to low energy.)
Collocations
energetic child
|energetic teacher
|energetic personality
|feel energetic
|energetic puppy
|energetic performance
Themes
daily life
|personality
|health
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- Even after a long day at work, she still seemed energetic and cheerful.
- The children were so energetic that it was hard to get them to sit still.
- He’s an energetic leader who is always starting new projects.
- Our new puppy is extremely energetic in the mornings.
- I don’t feel very energetic today, so I’ll stay home and rest.
Learner examples
- My grandfather is very energetic for his age.
- The students are energetic and ask many questions.
- I feel energetic after I go for a run.
- Their little dog is always energetic and wants to play.
- She is an energetic person and never sits still.
adjective
B2
property
2
involving strong or intense effort
Needing or showing a lot of effort and activity; very strong or intense.
Usage pattern:
[someone] makes energetic [effort]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'strong' instead of 'energetic' for actions, saying *'a strong campaign'* or *'a strong effort'*. While possible in some cases, 'energetic campaign/effort' more clearly suggests continuous and active work. Also avoid *'energy campaign'*; the adjective must be 'energetic'.
Synonyms
vigorous (Very close in meaning; often used for actions, exercise, or debate that is strong and forceful.)
|
intense (Emphasizes the high level or strength of effort or feeling, not only physical movement.)
Antonyms
weak (Describes actions or efforts that do not have much power or effect.)
|
half-hearted (Describes effort that is not sincere or not very strong.)
Collocations
energetic campaign
|energetic effort
|energetic response
|energetic workout
|energetic push
|energetic reforms
Themes
work
|politics
|sports
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The government launched an energetic campaign to reduce smoking.
- After years of energetic lobbying, the law was finally changed.
- We need a more energetic response to the climate crisis.
- He gave the room an energetic cleaning before the guests arrived.
- Her energetic workout routine includes running, weights, and swimming.
Learner examples
- They made an energetic effort to finish the project on time.
- The team showed an energetic response after the coach spoke.
- She does an energetic workout three times a week.
- The company started an energetic campaign to find new customers.
- We need an energetic push if we want to win this game.
adjective
technical
C1
property
3
having high physical energy (technical)
Used in science to describe particles, light, or other things that have a lot of physical energy.
Usage pattern:
[something] is energetic
Common mistake:
Learners may think this technical use always refers to something 'full of life' like a person. In science, 'energetic' describes the amount of physical energy, not mood or personality. Also, 'high-energy' is often more natural than 'energetic' for technical writing.
Synonyms
high-energy (Standard technical term; slightly more explicit and common than 'energetic' in scientific writing.)
Antonyms
low-energy (Describes particles or radiation with relatively little physical energy.)
Collocations
energetic particles
|energetic photons
|highly energetic radiation
|energetic cosmic rays
Themes
science
|physics
Examples
- Energetic particles from the sun can damage satellites in orbit.
- The telescope is designed to detect highly energetic photons from distant galaxies.
- Such energetic cosmic rays rarely reach the surface of the Earth.
Learner examples
- The scientist studied very energetic particles.
- Some stars send out energetic radiation.
- These energetic photons can be dangerous for humans.
- Low-energy light is less dangerous than very energetic light.
- Energetic particles can travel through space at high speed.
Grammar
Dictionary form
energetic
IPA
GB/ˌɛnɚd͡ʒˈɛtɪk/
US/ˌɛnɚd͡ʒˈɛtɪk/
Syllables & stress
en - er - get - ic (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (er)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: energetic
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.