B2 noun Neutral

activation

/ˌæk.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən/

Activation refers to the process of making something start working or become functional. It is commonly used in contexts like technology, biology, and chemistry to describe the triggering of a mechanism or reaction.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The activation of the alarm system was triggered by a motion sensor.

The activation of the alarm system was triggered by a motion sensor.

2

Upon successful verification, the activation of your membership benefits will be immediate.

Upon successful verification, the activation of your membership benefits will be immediate.

3

I'm just waiting for the activation of my new phone line; it's taking forever.

I'm just waiting for the activation of my new phone line; it's taking forever.

Word Family

Noun
activation
Verb
activate
Adverb
actively
Adjective
active
Related
activator
💡

Memory Tip

Think of an 'Action' movie: the 'activation' is the 'Action!' shout from the director that starts the scene.

Quick Quiz

Please enter your 16-digit ________ code to unlock the full version of the software.

Correct!

The correct answer is: activation

Examples

1

The activation of the alarm system was triggered by a motion sensor.

everyday

The activation of the alarm system was triggered by a motion sensor.

2

Upon successful verification, the activation of your membership benefits will be immediate.

formal

Upon successful verification, the activation of your membership benefits will be immediate.

3

I'm just waiting for the activation of my new phone line; it's taking forever.

informal

I'm just waiting for the activation of my new phone line; it's taking forever.

4

Neural activation in the frontal cortex increases during complex problem-solving tasks.

academic

Neural activation in the frontal cortex increases during complex problem-solving tasks.

5

Our brand activation strategy at the trade show focused on interactive digital displays.

business

Our brand activation strategy at the trade show focused on interactive digital displays.

Word Family

Noun
activation
Verb
activate
Adverb
actively
Adjective
active
Related
activator

Common Collocations

voice activation voice activation
activation code activation code
product activation product activation
activation energy activation energy
brand activation brand activation

Common Phrases

activation fee

activation fee

remote activation

remote activation

manual activation

manual activation

Often Confused With

activation vs activity

'Activity' refers to the state of being busy or a specific thing people do, while 'activation' is the specific act of starting a process.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'activation' when you are talking about the moment a system or process is turned 'on'. It is very common in software (licenses) and biology (enzymes/brain cells).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'activity' when they mean 'activation' (e.g., saying 'the activity of the software' instead of 'the activation of the software').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of an 'Action' movie: the 'activation' is the 'Action!' shout from the director that starts the scene.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'activus' meaning 'done' or 'practical', combined with the suffix '-ation' to denote a process.

Grammar Patterns

uncountable when referring to a general state countable when referring to specific instances or codes often used with the preposition 'of'
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern digital culture, 'activation' is heavily associated with subscription services and anti-piracy software measures.

Quick Quiz

Please enter your 16-digit ________ code to unlock the full version of the software.

Correct!

The correct answer is: activation

Related Words

annul

C1

To officially declare a legal agreement, decision, or marriage invalid and void, treating it as if it never existed. It is primarily used in legal and formal contexts to revoke the legitimacy of an act or contract.

anomaly

C1

An anomaly is something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. It is frequently used in scientific, technical, or statistical contexts to describe a data point or occurrence that does not fit an established pattern.

antagonist

C1

To act in opposition to someone or something, or to provoke hostility and anger through specific actions or behavior. It involves intentionally or unintentionally creating an adversary or causing someone to become unfriendly.

anthology

C1

A published collection of poems, short stories, or other pieces of writing, often from different authors. It can also refer to a collection of musical works or films that share a common theme or style.

antipathy

C1

A deep-seated feeling of dislike, aversion, or hostility toward someone or something. It often describes an instinctive or long-standing emotional opposition rather than a temporary annoyance.

antithesis

C1

The antithesis is a person or thing that is the direct or polar opposite of someone or something else. It also refers to a rhetorical device where two contrasting ideas are placed together in a balanced grammatical structure to achieve a contrasting effect.

amalgamate

C1

To combine or unite multiple components, organizations, or ideas into a single, integrated whole. It describes a process where the original parts merge to form a larger, unified entity.

ameliorate

C1

To make something bad or unsatisfactory better, more tolerable, or more effective. It is frequently used in formal contexts to describe improving social conditions, medical symptoms, or structural problems.

amenable

C1

Amenable describes a person who is willing to accept or be influenced by a suggestion, or a situation/thing that is capable of being acted upon in a particular way. It implies a cooperative attitude or a susceptibility to a specific process, authority, or treatment.

anxious

C1

A state of feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. It can also describe a strong desire or eagerness to do something, often accompanied by a sense of tension.

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