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 chemist added a passivating agent to the solution to reduce its reactivity. [passivating: present participle]
neutralize
Example
The acid was neutralized with a base to make it less acidic. [neutralized: past tense]
Example
The antidote was administered to neutralize the poison. [neutralize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neutralize is more commonly used than passivate in everyday language due to its versatility and wider range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between passivate and neutralize?
Both passivate and neutralize are technical terms that are typically used in formal or scientific contexts.