active

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   characterized by energetic activity

   an active toddler

2. 2
   adj

   engaged in full-time work

   active duty

3. 3
   adj

   full of activity or engaged in continuous activity

   an active seaport

4. 4
   adj

   tending to become more severe or wider in scope

   active tuberculosis

5. 5
   adj

   disposed to take action or effectuate change

   a director who takes an active interest in corporate operations

6. 6
   adj

   (of e.g. volcanos) erupting or liable to erupt

   active volcanos

7. 7
   adj

   capable of erupting

   The volcano is still active to this day.

8. 8
   adj

   exerting influence or producing a change or effect

   an active ingredient

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-eti Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Proto-Indo-European *-wósder. Latin -īvus ▲ Ancient Greek ἐνεργητῐκός (energētĭkós)sl. Latin āctīvusbor. Old French actifbor. Middle English actyf English active From Middle English actyf, from Old French actif, from Latin āctīv(us), from agere (“to do, to act”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti. By surface analysis, act + -ive.