energetic

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From New Latin energeticus (16th c.), or its source, Ancient Greek ἐνεργητικός (energētikós), from ἐνεργέω (energéō, to be active), from ἐνεργός (energós, active).

Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "GA" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌɛnɚˈd͡ʒɛtɪk/
  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌɛnəˈdʒɛtɪk/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɛtɪk
  • Hyphenation: en‧er‧get‧ic

Adjective

energetic (comparative more energetic, superlative most energetic)

  1. (sciences) Possessing or pertaining to energy. [from 19th c.]
    Cosmic rays are energetic particles from outer space.
    energetic laws
    • 1898, Home Study for Electrical Workers, page 36:
      Now lift the inverted jar so that the air can get at the outside of the “porous cup” and instantly the energetic illuminating gas which is now inside the “porous cup” begins to come out, and the water rises in the glass tube to take its place.
  2. Characterised by force or vigour; full of energy; lively, vigorous. [from 18th c.]
    Those kids are so energetic: they want to run around playing all day.
    • 1801, Abraham Bishop, An Oration on the Extent and Power of Political Delusion, page 38:
      They are even now insulted with all the arguments which have been used in favor of energetic governments, ever since the days of Pharaoh: but every one knew, long before our revolution, that an energetic government could be supported []
  3. (obsolete) Having powerful effects; efficacious, potent. [17th–20th c.]
    • 1816, William Beckford, Vathek, Oxford, published 2013, page 82:
      At these energetic sounds, the sun hid himself beneath a gloomy cloud; and the waters of two little lakes, that were naturally clearer than crystal, became of a colour like blood.

Usage notes

  • Where non-English languages use an adjective analogous to "energetic", English often uses "energy" attributively: "energy efficiency" is much more common than "energetic efficiency".

Collocations

Derived terms

Translations


Romanian

Etymology

From French énergétique.

Adjective

energetic m or n (feminine singular energetică, masculine plural energetici, feminine and neuter plural energetice)

  1. energetic

Declension