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 .