What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
activate
Example
Please activate your account by clicking on the link sent to your email. [activate: verb]
Example
The new software requires activation before it can be used. [activation: noun]
initiate
Example
The company plans to initiate a new project next month. [initiate: verb]
Example
She was initiated into the secret society after passing the initiation test. [initiated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Activate is more commonly used than initiate in technical or scientific contexts, while initiate is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between activate and initiate?
Both activate and initiate can be used in formal or informal language, but activate is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, which may make it sound more formal.
