What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

What is the difference between active and activity?

active | activity |

As nouns the difference between active and activity

is that active is a person or thing that is acting or capable of acting while activity is the state or quality of being active; nimbleness; agility; vigorous action or operation; energy; active force; as, an increasing variety of human activities.

As an adjective active

is having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting;—opposed to passive, that receives.

active

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting;—opposed to passive, that receives.
  • :
  • Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble.
  • :
  • In action; actually proceeding; working; in force; — opposed to quiescent, dormant, or extinct.
  • :
  • # Being an active volcano.
  • Given to action; constantly engaged in action; energetic; diligent; busy; — opposed to dull, sluggish, indolent, or inert.
  • :
  • *
  • *:This new-comer was a man who in any company would have seemed striking.He was smooth-faced, and his fresh skin and well-developed figure bespoke the man in good physical condition through active exercise, yet well content with the world's apportionment.
  • Requiring or implying action or exertion;—opposed to sedentary or to tranquil.
  • :
  • Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative; — opposed to speculative or theoretical.
  • :
  • Brisk; lively.
  • :
  • Implying or producing rapid action.
  • :
  • About verbs.
  • #Applied to a form of the verb; — opposed to passive. See active voice.
  • #Applied to verbs which assert that the subject acts upon or affects something else; transitive.
  • #Applied to all verbs that express action as distinct from mere existence or state.
  • (lb) (of a homosexual man) enjoying a role in anal sex in which he penetrates, rather than being penetrated by his partner.
  • Synonyms

    * (1): acting * (2): agile, nimble * (3): in action, in force, working * (4): busy, deedful, diligent, energetic * (6): operative, practical * (7): brisk, lively * (9.2): transitive * (10): top * See also

    Antonyms

    * (1): passive * (2): indolent, lethargic * (3): dormant, extinct, quiescent * (4): dull, indolent, inert, sluggish * (5): sedentary, tranquil * (6): speculative, theoretical * (7): slow * (9.1): passive * (10): passive, bottom

    Derived terms

    * cloud-active

    See also

    * versatile (in relation to sense 10 )

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A person or thing that is acting or capable of acting.
  • activity

    Noun

    (activities)
  • The state or quality of being active; nimbleness; agility; vigorous action or operation; energy; active force; as, an increasing variety of human activities.
  • Something done as an action or a movement.
  • Something done for pleasure or entertainment, especially one involving movement or an excursion.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=David Simpson
  • , volume=188, issue=26, page=36, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Fantasy of navigation , passage=Like most human activities , ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at high altitudes, there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth.}}
  • Use (of internet, playstation, bank account etc.).
  • Usage notes

    * Adjectives often used with "activity": increased, decreased, high, low, volcanic, seismic, eruptive, intellectual, physical, mental, spiritual, muscular, cerebral, favorite, recreational, practical, cultural, artistic, literary, musical, political, diplomatic, military, domestic, voluntary, missionary, chemical, optical, productive, reproductive, industrial, commercial, etc.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * rest * passivity

    Derived terms

    * radioactivity