attivare

Attivare is an Italian verb meaning to cause something to become active, to start, enable, or activate a function, feature, device, or service. It is commonly used in technology, computing, consumer electronics, and everyday language to describe turning on or enabling capabilities. The verb can take a direct object, as in attivare una funzione, un account, una licenza, or be used reflexively in contexts such as attivarsi to become motivated or engaged.

Etymology and form: Attivare derives from the adjective attivo (active) and the suffix -are, forming a regular first-conjugation verb. The related noun attivazione denotes activation, while the past participle attivato means activated. The verb follows standard -are conjugation patterns: present indicativo attivo/attivi/attiva/attiviamo/attivate/attivano; passato prossimo ho attivato; gerundio attivando.

Usage and contexts: In information technology and devices, attivare often translates as to activate or enable a feature or service. Examples include attivare l’account, attivare una licenza software, or attivare la funzione Bluetooth. In non-technical contexts, it can refer to activating plans, campaigns, or networks, as in attivare una campagna o attivare una rete di contatti. The verb is versatile and frequently paired with specific objects to indicate initiation, permission, or provisioning.

Synonyms and nuance: Abilitare is a common near-synonym in IT when the emphasis is on granting permission or access, while attivare stresses the act of starting or turning on. In many cases, sia attivare sia abilitare are acceptable, with slight nuance depending on context.

See also: attivazione, attivato, attivo, attivabile.