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Synonyms in Detail: actuate and activate Usage & Differences

What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

actuate

Example

The switch actuates the machine. [actuates: verb]

Example

The coach's speech actuated the team to play harder. [actuated: past tense verb]

activate

Example

Please activate your phone before using it. [activate: verb]

Example

The activation of the security system was successful. [activation: noun]

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Activate is more commonly used than actuate in everyday language. Activate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while actuate is less common and refers to more specific contexts.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between actuate and activate?

Both actuate and activate can be used in formal and technical contexts, but actuate may be considered more technical and less versatile than activate.

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