Word
reactivity
Phoneticsre·ac·tiv·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹiˌækˈtɪvəti/
UK/ɹɪɐktˈɪvɪti/
Definition
n. the ability of a substance to react with another substance to create a new one. It describes how quickly or easily a chemical change happens.
n. the tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction with another substance. Often used to describe the sensitivity of a material to external stimuli such as heat, light, or pressure.
Examples
“The reactivity of the metal increases when it is exposed to air.”
“Chemists carefully measure the reactivity of different compounds to ensure the reaction remains controlled and safe.”
“The high reactivity of the alkali metals necessitates their storage in an inert atmosphere to prevent spontaneous combustion upon contact with moisture.”
Examples
simple
“The reactivity of the metal increases when it is exposed to air.”
contextual
“Chemists carefully measure the reactivity of different compounds to ensure the reaction remains controlled and safe.”
complex
“The high reactivity of the alkali metals necessitates their storage in an inert atmosphere to prevent spontaneous combustion upon contact with moisture.”
Real-World Examples
“They found that weaker and more flexible hydrogen-bond networks were associated with higher reactivity of interfacial water.” “The function, reactivity and stability of bio-based hybrid materials can depend strongly on the chemical environments present at their surfaces and interfaces.” Etymology
From reactive + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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