interactive

[in-ter-ak-tiv]

adjective

1. acting one upon or with the other.

2. of or relating to a two-way system of electronic communications, as by means of television or computer.

   interactive communications between families using two-way cable television.

3. (of a computer program or system) interacting with a human user, often in a conversational way, to obtain data or commands and to give immediate results or updated information.

   For many years airline reservations have been handled by interactive computer systems.

interactive

/ ˌɪntərˈæktɪv /

adjective

1. allowing or relating to continuous two-way transfer of information between a user and the central point of a communication system, such as a computer or television

2. (of two or more persons, forces, etc) acting upon or in close relation with each other; interacting

interactive

1. If users receive real-time feedback from a computer so that they can modify the use of the machine, the hardware, software, or content, the system is said to be interactive.

Other Word Forms

• interactively adverb
• noninteractive adjective
• interactivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of interactive¹

First recorded in 1825–35; inter- + active

Example Sentences

As part of that celebration, there were various displays and interactive events held across the city, including Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

From Salon

The project, which includes eight weeks of curriculum, allows children to learn skills interactively through a combination of collaborative digital games, read-alouds and hands-on activities.

From Los Angeles Times

“No provider or user of an interactive computer service,” it says, “shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.”

From Los Angeles Times

Hull’s name is well-known among those who follow what is the still-emerging niche of so-called immersive entertainment, media that, broadly speaking, asks participants to take on an interactive role.

From Los Angeles Times

From AI-native studios to interactive platforms, a new generation of storytellers is challenging Hollywood’s role as the center of the entertainment universe.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bilateral 
• collective 
• reciprocal