active

ac|tive [ `æktıv ] adjective ***

▸ 1 doing many activities

▸ 2 making something happen

▸ 3 operating/working

▸ 4 of a volcano

▸ 5 producing a reaction

▸ 6 in grammar

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.

a ) very involved in the work of an organization or with a particular activity:

active member: He is an active member of the American Cancer Society.

active in: She continues to be active in politics.

b ) used about someone's mind:

meditation techniques to keep the mind active and alert

c ) used about activities and periods of time:

We had a very active weekend.

2. ) doing things to make something happen, instead of just hoping that it will happen:

There are already active discussions going on.

Active steps are being taken to calm the situation.

a ) used for emphasizing that something is practical or enthusiastic:

active involvement/participation/support

b ) used for emphasis generally:

She had taken an active dislike to the work.

3. ) operating or working in a particular area or at a particular time:

Pickpockets are known to be active in the area.

a ) doing a particular activity:

sexually active (=having sex): sexually active young women

b ) an active electrical system is working:

The 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. ) SCIENCE producing a chemical or BIOLOGICAL reaction:

Surfactants are 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.

─ compare PASSIVE