active
Definitions
Doing things energetically; busy and engaged rather than passive.
积极的，活跃的；忙于活动而非被动的。
Currently in operation or in use; functioning at the present time.
现行的，在运作中的；当前生效或正在使用的。
Taking the initiative; doing the action yourself rather than having it done to you.
主动的；自己采取行动，而非被动接受。
(Grammar) Of the verb form in which the subject performs the action, as opposed to the passive voice.
（语法）主动态的；主语执行动作的动词形式，与被动态相对。
Root Breakdown
Native Englishact (do, drive) + -ive (tending to) = 'tending to do, full of doing.' A person who keeps doing things is active (energetic); a system that is doing its job right now is active (operating); someone who acts rather than waits is active (taking initiative). In grammar, the active voice is the one where the subject does the action — 'The dog bit the man,' not 'The man was bitten.'
Root act still carries 59 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.active role主动的角色
- 2.active voice主动语态
- 3.active member活跃成员
- 4.active ingredient有效成分
- 5.physically active经常运动的
Example Sentences
- 1.
He stays active by cycling to work every day.
- 2.
Your account is still active, so you can log in anytime.
- 3.
She took an active role in organizing the campaign.
- 4.
In the active voice, the subject performs the action.
- 5.
The volcano has been active for centuries.
Easily Confused
active vs proactive — active means you are engaged and doing things; proactive means you act in advance to prevent or prepare for something, before it forces you to. An active employee gets the work done; a proactive employee fixes the problem before anyone notices it. Proactive always has a future, anticipatory edge that active lacks.
Synonym Comparison
- active — engaged and doing things; the neutral, broadest word
- energetic — full of physical energy and vigor: an energetic toddler
- lively — full of life and spirit, often about atmosphere or personality: a lively debate
- dynamic — active in a way that drives change and progress: a dynamic leader
- busy — occupied with tasks, but says nothing about energy or initiative