What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reactivate
Example
We need to reactivate the old email account to retrieve some important messages. [reactivate: verb]
Example
The company decided to reactivate the marketing campaign after a brief hiatus. [reactivating: gerund or present participle]
resurrect
Example
The scientist claimed to have resurrected a species of extinct insects using DNA samples. [resurrect: verb]
Example
The community decided to resurrect an old festival that had been discontinued for many years. [resurrecting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reactivate is more commonly used than resurrect in everyday language, especially in technical or administrative contexts. Resurrect is less common and is usually reserved for more figurative or emotional situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reactivate and resurrect?
Both reactivate and resurrect are formal words that are appropriate for professional or academic writing. However, reactivate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while resurrect is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
