GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Active , a. [F. actif, L. activus, fr. agere to act.]
   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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   Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble; as, an active child or animal.
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   Active and nervous was his gait.
   Wordsworth.
   
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   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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   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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   Requiring or implying action or exertion; -- opposed to sedentary or to tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes.
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   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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   Brisk; lively; as, an active demand for corn.
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   Implying or producing rapid action; as, an active disease; an active remedy.
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   (Gram.) (a) Applied to a form of the verb; -- opposed to passive. See Active voice, under Voice.  (b) Applied to verbs which assert that the subject acts upon or affects something else; transitive. (c) Applied to all verbs that express action as distinct from mere existence or state.
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   Active capital, Active wealth, money, or property that may readily be converted into money.
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   Syn. -- Agile; alert; brisk; vigorous; nimble; lively; quick; sprightly; prompt; energetic.
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