/ ˈæktɪv; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
BUSY
1.
always busy doing things, especially physical activities :
Although he's nearly 80, he is still very active.
OPP inactive
TAKING PART
2.
involved in sth; making a determined effort and not leaving sth to happen by itself :
They were both politically active.
active involvement / participation / support / resistance
She takes an active part in school life.
The parents were active in campaigning against cuts to the education budget.
They took active steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
DOING AN ACTIVITY
3.
doing sth regularly; functioning :
sexually active teenagers
animals that are active only at night
The virus is still active in the blood.
an active volcano (= likely to erupt )
OPP inactive
—compare dormant
LIVELY
4.
lively and full of ideas :
That child has a very active imagination.
CHEMICAL
5.
having or causing a chemical effect :
What is the active ingredient in aspirin?
OPP inactive
GRAMMAR
6.
connected with a verb whose subject is the person or thing that performs the action :
In 'He was driving the car', the verb is active.
—compare passive
► ac·tive·ly adverb :
Your proposal is being actively considered.
She was actively looking for a job.
■ noun
(also ˈactive voice ) [ sing. ] the form of a verb in which the subject is the person or thing that performs the action
—compare passive
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense preferring action to contemplation ): from Latin activus , from act- done, from the verb agere .