What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
activator
Example
The activator is added to the mixture to speed up the reaction. [activator: noun]
Example
She was an activator for change in her community, inspiring others to take action. [activator: noun]
Example
Pressing the button on the remote control is the activator for the TV to turn on. [activator: noun]
catalyst
Example
The catalyst speeds up the reaction without being used up in the process. [catalyst: noun]
Example
The new CEO was a catalyst for innovation and growth in the company. [catalyst: noun]
Example
The invention of the internet was a catalyst for the digital age. [catalyst: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Catalyst is more commonly used than activator in everyday language due to its versatility and wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between activator and catalyst?
Both activator and catalyst are formal words, but activator is more technical and specific to a chemical context, while catalyst can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
