# active

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈæk.tɪv/ · frequency rank #1,239

## Definitions
1. Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting;—opposed to passive, that receives.
2. Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble.
3. In action; actually proceeding; working; in force
4. In action; actually proceeding; working; in force
5. Given to action; constantly engaged in action; energetic; diligent; busy
6. Requiring or implying action or exertion
7. Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative
8. Brisk; lively.
9. Implying or producing rapid action.
10. About verbs.
11. About verbs.
12. About verbs.
13. Eligible to be processed by a compiler or interpreter.
14. Not passive.
15. enjoying a role in anal sex in which he penetrates, rather than being penetrated by his partner.

## Etymology
Etymology tree
Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ-
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.

## Easily confused with
- **alive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/active-vs-alive)
- **Artie** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/active-vs-artie)
- **arrive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/active-vs-arrive)
- **attire** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/active-vs-attire)
- **archive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/active-vs-archive)
- **actively** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/active-vs-actively)
- **actin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/actin-vs-active)
- **action** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/action-vs-active)
- **acting** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/acting-vs-active)
- **achieve** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/achieve-vs-active)
- **activate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/activate-vs-active)

## Common misspellings (8)
`acctive`, `acitve`, `actiev`, `activve`, `acttive`, `actvie`, `atcive`, `cative`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/active