In the following question, select the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word: Actuate.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Move

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

Vocabulary questions that ask for the meaning of a single word are common in competitive exams. The word actuate is often used in both technical and general English. It appears in contexts involving machines, devices, or human motivation. Understanding its core sense helps you interpret a wide range of sentences in articles, instructions, and scientific descriptions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: Actuate.

- Options: True, Move, Select, Kill.

- Only one option should capture the main meaning of actuate in standard English.

- We assume the usual meanings: to cause something to act, to move, or to put into operation.


Concept / Approach:

The verb actuate means to make a machine or device operate, or to cause a person to act in a particular way. In other words, it means to set something in motion, to move it, or to stimulate action. Among the options, Move best reflects this underlying idea of putting into action. The other options describe truth, choice, or ending life, none of which align with the core concept of causing to act or operate.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall a simple definition of actuate, such as to put into action or to make something start working. Step 2: Examine option True. This is an adjective (or sometimes a noun) meaning correct or accurate, and it does not relate to causing movement or action. Step 3: Examine option Move. As a verb, move can mean to cause to change position or to act, which fits the idea of setting something in motion. Step 4: Examine option Select. This means to choose from a number of options and does not in itself imply operating or setting in motion. Step 5: Examine option Kill. This means to cause death and is too specific and negative; it does not capture the neutral sense of making something act or operate. Step 6: Conclude that Move is the closest match to actuate in both literal and metaphorical usage.


Verification / Alternative check:

Consider example sentences: The motor is actuated by a small battery and His desire for justice actuated his decision. In both, substituting Move in the sense of to set moving or to stir to action works reasonably: The motor is moved by a small battery and His desire for justice moved his decision. The words True, Select, and Kill clearly fail in these positions. This sentence substitution method confirms that Move is the best synonym among the given options.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

True is wrong because it describes correctness, not motion or activation. Select is wrong because it refers to choosing, not to causing to act. Kill is wrong because it indicates ending a life, whereas actuate is neutral and often positive or technical, referring to starting an action. None of these alternatives preserves the sense of initiating motion or operation.


Common Pitfalls:

Some learners may confuse actuate with accurate or actual because of similar letters, leading them to associate it with truth or reality. Others may assume that a complex sounding word must have a very specialised meaning. A good habit is to link actuate mentally with activate or action, which keeps the idea of motion or operation clear in your mind.


Final Answer:

The word that best expresses the meaning of actuate is Move, in the sense of set in motion or cause to act.

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