Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Active has 19 different meanings across 2 categories:
chemical agent capable of activity
"The new cleaning solution contains active oxygen that breaks down stubborn stains instantly."
the voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is performing the action or causing the happening denoted by the verb
"`The boy threw the ball' uses the active voice"
a person who is a participating member of an organization
"the club issues a list of members, both the actives and the retirees"
A person or thing that is acting or capable of acting.
"The active volcano erupted last night, sending ash clouds high into the sky."
In plain English: An active is a type of drink made by mixing powder with water or juice to give you energy.
"The active in this herbal medicine comes from a rare plant found only in the mountains."
Usage: Use "active" only when referring to a specific role within a group, such as an active member who participates in decisions. Avoid using it as a standalone noun for any acting person, as this usage is often incorrect and confusing.
engaged in or ready for military or naval operations
"on active duty"
"the platoon is combat-ready"
"review the fighting forces"
disposed to take action or effectuate change
"a director who takes an active interest in corporate operations"
"an active antagonism"
"he was active in drawing attention to their grievances"
taking part in an activity
"an active member of the club"
"he was politically active"
"the participating organizations"
characterized by energetic activity
"an active toddler"
"active as a gazelle"
"an active man is a man of action"
full of activity or engaged in continuous activity
"an active seaport"
"an active bond market"
"an active account"
(of the sun) characterized by an increased occurrence of sunspots and flares and radio emissions
"Astronomers warned that a highly active solar cycle could disrupt satellite communications if major flares hit Earth's atmosphere."
expressing that the subject of the sentence has the semantic function of actor: "Hemingway favors active constructions"
"The chef actively chopped the onions while the rest of the team waited for their turn."
(of e.g. volcanos) capable of erupting
"The geologists warned us to stay away from the active volcano since it could erupt at any moment."
engaged in full-time work
"active duty"
"though past retirement age he is still active in his profession"
Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting;—opposed to passive, that receives.
"The active voice makes it clear who is actually doing the work in the story."
In plain English: Active means being energetic and doing things instead of just sitting around.
"She is very active in her local community."
Usage: Use active to describe someone or something that is currently engaged in doing something or performing a function, such as an active participant in a meeting. Avoid using it to mean "lively" or "energetic," which are better expressed with words like energetic or dynamic.
The word "active" comes from the Latin verb meaning "to do" or "to act." It entered English through Middle and Old French before taking on its current sense of being engaged in action.