How to Pronounce Active

To pronounce "active", say ACT-iv-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈæk.tɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

active

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈæk.tɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “active”

"active" has 3 syllables: act-iv-e. It rhymes with attractive and proactive, if that helps it stick.

What does active mean?

noun

  1. A person or thing that is acting or capable of acting.
  2. Any component that is not passive. See Passivity (engineering).

adjective

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

    “certain active principles”

  2. Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble.

    “an active child or animal”

Synonyms

actingagilenimblebusydeedfuldiligentenergeticin action

Antonyms

bottompassivedormantextinctquiescentdull

Words that rhyme with active

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

attractiveproactiveinactivereactiveinteractivehyperactiveradioactiveretroactiveunattractiveoveractivepractivetractive

Related words

existingexistentpracticingoperationalonaboutgoingopen

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "active"?▾

"Active" has 3 syllables: act · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "active"?▾

The IPA transcription of "active" is /ˈæk.tɪv/.

What does "active" mean?▾

Active: A person or thing that is acting or capable of acting.

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