active - English dictionary definition

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1. Active  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.
2. Active  Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble; as, an active child or animal.
3. Active  In action; actually proceeding; working; in force; -- opposed to quiescent, dormant, or extinct; as, active laws; active hostilities; an active volcano.
4. Active  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.
5. Active  Requiring or implying action or exertion; -- opposed to sedentary or to tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes.
6. Active  Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative; -- opposed to speculative or theoretical; as, an active rather than a speculative statesman.
7. Active  Brisk; lively; as, an active demand for corn.
8. Active  Implying or producing rapid action; as, an active disease; an active remedy.
9. Active  Applied to a form of the verb; -- opposed to passive. See Active voice, under Voice.
10. Active  Applied to verbs which assert that the subject acts upon or affects something else; transitive.