Interactive
/ˌɪntərˈæktɪv/
Definitions
Involving or allowing people to talk to each other or to something, such as a computer.
/ˌɪntərˈæktɪv/
Allowing or involving communication between a user and a system.
The museum exhibit was highly interactive, allowing visitors to control the display.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game that changes based on what you do. That's interactive! It's like a conversation where things respond to you.
👶 For kids: It means something can talk to you back! Like a game that lets you choose what to do.
More Examples
We developed an interactive app that lets customers personalize their orders.
Interactive sessions are often more engaging than lectures.
How It's Used
"An interactive website allows users to participate."
"Interactive learning engages students more effectively."
"Interactive games respond to the player's actions."
Idioms & expressions
interactive fiction
A type of computer game or story where the reader/player can influence the narrative.
"Interactive fiction games allow players to make choices that alter the story's outcome."
interactive whiteboard
A digital display that can be used to write on and control computer applications.
"Interactive whiteboards are a useful tool for modern classrooms."
From inter- (meaning "between") + active (from Latin activus, meaning "doing, acting"). First attested in the early 20th century.
The term became increasingly common with the rise of computers and digital media in the late 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of an 'inter' (between) 'active' thing - something that acts and also lets you act with it.