What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
passivate
Example
The metal was passivated to prevent rusting. [passivated: past participle]
Example
The passivation process involves treating the metal surface with an acid solution. [passivation: noun]
inactivate
Example
The vaccine works by inactivating the virus. [inactivating: present participle]
Example
The lab technician used heat to inactivate the enzyme. [inactivate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inactivate is more commonly used than passivate in everyday language, especially in the context of biology, chemistry, and technology. Passivate is more specialized and is typically used in the field of material science or surface treatment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between passivate and inactivate?
Both passivate and inactivate are technical terms that are more likely to be used in formal or scientific contexts. However, inactivate may also be used in informal or everyday language to describe the process of making something inactive or non-functional.
