ACTIVITY


Meaning of ACTIVITY in English

ac ‧ tiv ‧ i ‧ ty S2 W1 /ækˈtɪvəti, ækˈtɪvɪti/ BrE AmE noun ( plural activities )

[ Word Family: noun : ↑ act , ↑ action ≠ ↑ inaction , ↑ activity ≠ ↑ inactivity , ↑ reaction , ↑ interaction , ↑ overacting ; adjective : ↑ acting , ↑ active ≠ ↑ inactive ; verb : ↑ act ≠ ↑ overact ; adverb : ↑ actively ]

1 . [uncountable and countable] things that people do, especially in order to achieve a particular aim:

Everyone is free to engage in peaceful political activity.

fund-raising activities

Regular physical activity helps to control your weight.

2 . [countable usually plural] something that you do because you enjoy it:

leisure activities

outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing

3 . [uncountable] a situation in which a lot of things are happening or a lot of things are being done:

The office was suddenly full of frantic activity.

The farm was always a hive of activity at this time of year.

• • •

COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1, 2 & 3)

■ verbs

▪ take part in an activity ( also participate in an activity formal )

The children were encouraged to take part in several different activities.

▪ engage in an activity formal (=take part)

Police suspect he may have engaged in criminal activities.

▪ be involved in an activity

The men were involved in terrorist activities.

▪ do an activity

He doesn't do a lot of physical activity.

■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + activity

▪ political activity

Political activity is closely controlled by the government.

▪ economic activity

The current level of economic activity will influence business confidence.

▪ business/commercial activity

Internet shopping is a rapidly developing area of business activity.

▪ human activity

There was no sign of any human activity.

▪ criminal/illegal activity

The bar was being used for illegal activities.

▪ terrorist activity

The police took extra measures to protect the public against terrorist activity.

▪ outdoor activities

The college is well situated for students who are interested in outdoor activities.

▪ physical activity

It's important to do some kind of regular physical activity.

▪ mental activity

Your mental activity starts to slow down as you grow old.

▪ leisure activities

I don't have much time for leisure activities.

▪ classroom activities

He didn't really take part in classroom activities.

▪ cultural activities

There is plenty of opportunity for children to express themselves in creative and cultural activities.

■ phrases

▪ the level of activity

The level of economic activity has increased.

■ COMMON ERRORS

► Do not say ' make an activity '. Say take part in an activity or be involved in an activity .

Do not say ' sport activity '. Say sports activity .

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.      Longman - Словарь современного английского языка.