Activities

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ækˈtɪv.ɪ.tiːz/

Definitions

1. A range of actions or tasks performed for enjoyment, work, education, or achieving a goal are often organized by individuals or groups for various purposes
2. Various tasks and pursuits engaged in by people or groups may be aimed at fulfilling a specific objective, finding enjoyment, or enhancing knowledge
3. A set of actions undertaken by individuals or groups to accomplish tasks or for recreation

Etymology: "Activities" is simply the plural of "activity," so its history is that of the singular noun. The word traces back to Latin "agere," "to drive, do, act," the root that also gave English "agent," "action," and "agenda." From it Latin formed "activus," meaning "active," and then "activitas," a noun for the quality of being active. That noun passed into Middle French as "activité," and English borrowed it from there. The key step is the suffix. English "active" came from Latin "activus," and English "activity" is built on "active" plus the suffix "-ity," which turns an adjective into a noun for a quality, much as "ability" and "sanity" do. So the noun names the state of being in motion or engaged, and the plural "activities" turns that quality into specific things people do, such as hobbies, pursuits, or tasks.

Synonyms: tasks, events, exercises, actions, pursuits

Antonyms: inactivity, idleness, rest