still-active
still-active
UK[ˌstɪl ˈæk.tɪv]US[ˌstɪl ˈæk.tɪv]
adj
Continuing to exist, function, or be in use; not yet finished, closed, or inactive.
Morpheme Breakdown
still
active
still
continuing
active
functioning
Etymology
The compound adjective 'still-active' is a transparent modern English formation. Its first element, 'still', originates from an Old English word denoting calmness and lack of motion, which evolved to convey the sense of an ongoing, unchanging state. The second element, 'active', comes from a Latin root centered on driving and doing, which entered English via French to describe something in operation or exhibiting action. The logic of the compound is straightforward: it combines the sense of temporal continuity from 'still' with the state of operation from 'active' to describe something that continues to function or exist. This pairing creates a clear, emphatic term often used in technical, administrative, or descriptive contexts to stress persistence against an expectation of cessation.
Analysis
Structure: still (continuing) + active (functioning)
- still: From Old English stille (motionless, at rest, quiet), from Proto-Germanic stillijaz. Functions as an adverb/adjective meaning 'continuing' or 'even now'.
- active: From Latin activus (doing, acting), from actus, past participle of agere (to do, drive). Functions as an adjective meaning 'engaged in action' or 'functioning'.
Examples
The volcano is considered still-active and is monitored constantly.
Despite its age, the company's original website remains still-active.
The investigation into the cold case is surprisingly still-active.