- active */*/*/
- UK [ˈæktɪv] / US
adjective
1) someone who is active does a lot of different activities and has a lot of energy and interests
People are remaining active into later life.
meditation techniques to keep the mind active and alert
a) very involved in the work of an organization or with a particular activityactive in:active member:She continues to be active in politics.
He is an active member of the American Cancer Society.
b) used about a period or event that is full of busy activityWe had a very active weekend.
2) taking positive action in order to make something happen, rather than just hoping that it will happenThere are already active discussions going on.
Active steps are being taken to calm the situation.
We couldn't have organized the show without the active support and participation of the students' parents.
3) operating or working in a particular area or at a particular timePickpockets are known to be active in the area.
a) regularly doing a particular activitysexually active (= having sex regularly):sexually active young women
b) an active electrical system is workingThe burglar alarm becomes active ten seconds after you set it.
4) an active volcano is likely to erupt (= explode and pour out fire) at any time. When a volcano no longer does this, it is extinct.5) chemistry producing a chemical or biological reactionWhat is the active ingredient in detergents?
6) linguistics an active verb or sentence has the person or thing doing the action as the subject. "You hurt me" is an active sentence.See:passive
English dictionary. 2014.