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inactive

/in'æktiv/
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The word "inactive" is an adjective that describes something or someone that is not in motion, not active, or not doing anything. It can refer to physical states, mental states, or even certain situations where there is a lack of activity.

Basic Explanation:
  1. Not Moving: If something is inactive, it means it is not moving or working. For example, a car that is parked and not being driven is inactive.

  2. Not Engaged: A person who is inactive might not be doing any exercise or work. For example, someone who spends most of their day sitting and watching TV can be described as inactive.

Usage Instructions:
  • You can use "inactive" to describe people, objects, or even situations where there is a lack of activity.
  • It is often used in contexts like health (inactive lifestyle), work (inactive employees), and technology (inactive accounts).
Advanced Usage:
  • "Inactive" can also refer to specific conditions in various fields, such as:

    • Military: Describing troops that are not currently engaged in combat.
    • Chemistry: Referring to substances that do not participate in reactions.
Word Variants:
  • Inactivity (noun): The state of being inactive.

  • Inactive (adjective) does not change form, but it can be used in various contexts to imply similar meanings.

Different Meanings:
  1. Dormant: In geology, an inactive volcano is one that is not currently erupting but may erupt again in the future. Example: "The scientists studied the inactive volcano to assess the risk of future eruptions."

  2. Slow Progress: In a medical context, an inactive disease may refer to a condition that is not getting worse or progressing quickly. Example: "The patient has an inactive form of the disease, so treatment is less urgent."

Synonyms:
  • Idle
  • Dormant
  • Motionless
  • Unused
  • Passive
  • Lethargic
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms specifically for "inactive," you might encounter phrases like: - "In a rut": This means feeling stuck in a situation where there is little progress or activity, similar to being inactive.

Summary:

"Inactive" describes a lack of activity, whether it pertains to physical movement, mental engagement, or certain conditions in specific fields. It can be used in everyday conversation as well as in technical contexts.

Adjective
  1. not in physical motion
    • the inertia of an object at rest
  2. not active physically or mentally
    • illness forced him to live an inactive life
    • dreamy and inactive by nature
  3. not engaged in full-time work
    • inactive reserve
    • an inactive member
  4. lacking activity; lying idle or unused
    • an inactive mine
    • inactive accounts
    • inactive machinery
  5. lacking in energy or will
    • Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a disinclination to inflict pain upon oneself- George Meredith
  6. (of e.g. volcanos) not erupting and not extinct
    • a dormant volcano
  7. not exerting influence or change
  8. (military) not involved in military operations
  9. (pathology) not progressing or increasing; or progressing slowly
  10. (chemistry) not participating in a chemical reaction; chemically inert
    • desired amounts of inactive chlorine

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