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{%type%} Definitions

WordNet 3.0Copyright Princeton University
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Short "hint"

To put into motion; move to action.

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Usage examples (36)
  • A rousing speech can actuate those who hear it.
  • Not only does he have excellent medical credentials but he fits what Obama wants in someone who has the ability to "actuate" change.
  • I know not what are the motives which actuate you.
  • His spirit, however, seemed yet to actuate the survivors.
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Tutoring comment
  • When it comes to a lazy person, it's possible to "activate" (rouse to action) his or her energy more easily than it is to "actuate" (put into true motion) his or her movements.
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The Open Dictionary of English is a collaborative project, based on Open Source materials, LearnThat resources, and partner APIs.
We give special thanks to our LearnThat volunteers, as well as Princeton University and Wiktionary for their Open Source word data. We're also grateful for the support given by Google, Wordnik.com, Dictionary.com, Stands4.com and YouTube, OEDILF.com, Kylescholz.com, Best-Practice.com, Forvo.com, as well as the generous Creative Commons community.