Antonyms for active


Grammar : Adj
Spell : ak-tiv
Phonetic Transcription : ˈæk tɪv


Definition of active

Origin :
  • mid-14c., "given to worldly activity" (opposed to contemplative or monastic), from Old French actif (12c.) or directly from Latin activus, from actus (see act (n.)). As "capable of acting" (opposed to passive), from late 14c. Meaning "energetic, lively" is from 1590s; that of "working, effective, in operation" is from 1640s. Active voice is recorded from 1765 (grammatical use of active dates from mid-15c.).
  • adj having movement
  • adj very involved in activity
Example sentences :
  • Now he was active, acutely aware of himself and all his wants.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • His countrymen were the first to press steam into the active service of mankind.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • For most of us the fear of death is a subconscious rather than an active fear.
  • Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King
  • I am sorry for you all, and for you especially that you should have had to take an active part in the business.
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • Active opposition I could fight; but the tactics are now to ignore me.
  • Extract from : « The Bacillus of Beauty » by Harriet Stark
  • Yet they took no active measures in that way, lest they might have cause to regret it.
  • Extract from : « The Dream » by Emile Zola
  • Then, as for active exercises, she could ride on horseback as well as any man in her kingdom.
  • Extract from : « Biographical Stories » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • But his limbs were strong and active, and well accustomed to exercise.
  • Extract from : « Tanglewood Tales » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • I had been kept in the cabin, it is true, but our work had been of the most active kind.
  • Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • This was in November, rather a latish month for active service on those waters.
  • Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper

Synonyms for active

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019