In the 16th century, Turkish women could divorce their husbands if the man failed to keep his family’s pot filled with coffee.
ACTIVELY
actively
(adverb) in an active manner; “he participated actively in the war”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
actively (comparative more actively, superlative most actively)
In an active manner.
(grammar) In the active form; not passive.
Antonym: passively
Source: Wiktionary
Ac"tive*ly, adv.
1. In an active manner; nimbly; briskly; energetically; also, by one's own action; voluntarily, not passively.
2. (Gram.)
Definition: In an active signification; as, a word used actively.
ACTIVE
Ac"tive, a. Etym: [F. actif, L. activus, fr. agere to act.]
1. Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting; -- opposed to Ant: passive, that receives; as, certain active principles; the powers of the mind.
2. Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble; as, an active child or animal. Active and nervous was his gait. Wordsworth.
3. In action; actually proceeding; working; in force; -- opposed to quiescent, dormant, or extinct; as, active laws; active hostilities; an active volcano.
4. 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.
5. Requiring or implying action or exertion; -- opposed to Ant: sedentary or to Ant: tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes.
6. Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative; - - opposed to Ant: speculative or Ant: theoretical; as, an active rather than a speculative statesman.
7. Brisk; lively; as, an active demand for corn.
8. Implying or producing rapid action; as, an active disease; an active remedy.
9. (Gram.) (a) Applied to a form of the verb; -- opposed to Ant: 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. Active capital, Active wealth, money, or property that may readily be converted into money.
Syn.
– Agile; alert; brisk; vigorous; nimble; lively; quick; sprightly; prompt; energetic.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
26 June 2025
DISPIRITEDLY
(adverb) in a dispirited manner without hope; “the first Mozartian opera to be subjected to this curious treatment ran dispiritedly for five performances”
Coffee Trivia
