01 a. Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting; -- opposed to passive, that receives; as, ce…
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1.
Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting; -- opposed to passive, that receives; as, certain active principles; the powers of the mind.
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2.
Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble; as, an active child or animal.“Active and nervous was his gait.” — Wordsworth.
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3.
In action; actually proceeding; working; in force; -- opposed to quiescent, dormant, or extinct; as, active laws; active hostilities; an active volcano.
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4.
Given to action; constantly engaged in action; energetic; diligent; busy; -- opposed to dull, sluggish, indolent, or inert; as, an active man of business; active mind; active zeal.
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5.
Requiring or implying action or exertion; -- opposed to sedentary or to tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes.
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6.
Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative; -- opposed to speculative or theoretical; as, an active rather than a speculative statesman.
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7.
Brisk; lively; as, an active demand for corn.
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8.
Implying or producing rapid action; as, an active disease; an active remedy.
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9.
Applied to a form of the verb; -- opposed to passive. See Active voice, under Voice.(Gram.) See: Voice
Phrases & compounds
Active capital —
money, or property that may readily be converted into money.