active

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

< Middle English actif < Old French actif < Latin activus < agere (to do, to act); see act.

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Adjective

active (comparative more active, superlative most active)

Positive
active

Comparative
more active

Superlative
most active

  1. Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting; — opposed to passive, that receives; as, certain active principles; the powers of the mind.
  2. Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble; as, an active child or animal.
  3. In action; actually proceeding; working; in force; — opposed to quiescent, dormant, or extinct.
    active laws
    active hostilities
    an active volcano
  4. Given to action; constantly engaged in action; energetic; diligent; busy; — opposed to dull, sluggish, indolent, or inert; as, an active man of business; active mind; active zeal.
  5. Requiring or implying action or exertion; — opposed to sedentary or to tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes.
  6. Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative; — opposed to speculative or theoretical; as, an active rather than a speculative statesman.
  7. Brisk; lively; as, an active demand for corn.
  8. Implying or producing rapid action.
    an active disease
    an active remedy
  9. (grammar) Applied to a form of the verb; — opposed to passive. See active voice.
  10. (grammar) Applied to verbs which assert that the subject acts upon or affects something else; transitive.
  11. (grammar) Applied to all verbs that express action as distinct from mere existence or state.
  12. (gay sexual slang) (of a homosexual man) enjoying a role in anal sex in which he penetrates, rather than being penetrated by his partner
  13. (gay sexual slang) such a role in anal sex

[edit] Synonyms

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[edit] Antonyms

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[edit] See also

[edit] Translations

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[edit] Noun

Singular
active

Plural
actives

active (plural actives)

  1. A person or thing that is acting or capable of acting.

[edit] External links


[edit] French

[edit] Adjective

active f.

  1. Feminine of actif

[edit] Romanian

[edit] Pronunciation

  • IPA: [ak'ti.ve]

[edit] Adjective

active

  1. feminine plural nominative form of activ.
  2. feminine plural accusative form of activ.
  3. neuter plural nominative form of activ.
  4. neuter plural accusative form of activ.

[edit] Spanish

[edit] Verb

active (infinitive: activar)

  1. first-person singular (yo) present subjunctive form of activar.
  2. formal second-person singular (usted) present subjunctive form of activar.
  3. third-person singular (él, ella, also used with usted?) present subjunctive form of activar.
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