adjective
Related Words
See active.
Other Word Forms
- energetically adverb
- hyperenergetic adjective
- nonenergetic adjective
- nonenergetically adverb
- quasi-energetic adjective
- quasi-energetically adverb
- superenergetic adjective
- superenergetically adverb
- ultraenergetic adjective
- unenergetic adjective
- unenergetically adverb
Etymology
Origin of energetic
First recorded in 1645–55; from Greek energētikós, from energē- (from en- en- 2 + ergē-, variant stem of ergeîn “to be active”; see energy) + -tikos -tic
Explanation
Energetic describes someone who has lots of get-up-and-go. When you decide to jog alongside the bus instead of taking it to work, you are energetic — so energetic that it tires the rest of the commuters out just watching you. Energetic comes from the Greek, energetikos, meaning “active.” When you are energetic, you're active with enthusiasm and excitement to spare. Energetic describes those little kids you babysit, who never sit still and force you to play hide and seek. Energetic can also mean a powerful focused effort, where you work hard to achieve something. The energetic bond between the men was formed after months of training together in the military.
Vocabulary lists containing energetic
In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions
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Hooked on a Feeling, List 3
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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
During her more energetic moments - she literally sprints from one corner to the other - a cameraman had the demanding job of trying to keep up with her.
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
Using a network of radio telescopes spread across the globe, a team led by Curtin University captured detailed images that reveal just how energetic these jets can be.
From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026
Instead, he campaigned in rural areas and small towns where, as an energetic 45-year-old, he gave as many as seven speeches a day.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
The Colombian artist’s energetic set not only incorporated salsa, merengue and reggaeton classics — it also paid homage to regional Mexican music, with help from the Latin Grammy-nominated ensemble, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
He was tapping his foot on the verandah floor in an energetic rhythm.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
