Cool MateLooks like some kind of detonator vs Trigger
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Looks like some kind of detonator
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Trigger
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most common: Trigger
| Looks like some kind of detonator | Trigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈdɛtəneɪtə//🇺🇸 //ˈdɛtəˌneɪtər// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtrɪɡə(r)/","/ˈtrɪɡəz/","/ˈtrɪɡəd/","/ˈtrɪɡərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtrɪɡər/","/ˈtrɪɡərz/","/ˈtrɪɡərd/","/ˈtrɪɡərɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | It appears to be a device that triggers an explosion. | To cause something to happen. |
| Example | During the investigation, they found a box that looks like some kind of detonator. | Nuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | suspicious detonator, homemade detonator, remote detonator | trigger a response, trigger an alarm, trigger emotions, trigger a memory, trigger a reaction |
| Antonyms | - | calm, deactivate, stop |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'detonator' with 'inflator'., Using it in contexts unrelated to explosives or triggering devices., Forgetting to specify the object when making a statement. | Using 'trigger' without an object (e.g. 'The noise triggered' instead of 'The noise triggered a reaction')., Confusing with 'triggered' as a noun., Mixing up with 'impact' or 'affect' too broadly. |
| Usage notes | Use when describing something that seems suspicious or explosive. It's more common in casual conversation. | Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. Often used to describe a cause-and-effect relationship, especially in psychology or discussions about emotions. Avoid when discussing less serious or trivial matters. |
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Frequently asked questions: Looks like some kind of detonator vs Trigger
What's the difference between Looks like some kind of detonator and Trigger?
Looks like some kind of detonator: It appears to be a device that triggers an explosion. Trigger: To cause something to happen.
Which is more common: Looks like some kind of detonator and Trigger?
Trigger is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Looks like some kind of detonator: During the investigation, they found a box that looks like some kind of detonator. Trigger: Nuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction.
Can I use Looks like some kind of detonator and Trigger interchangeably?
Not always. Looks like some kind of detonator and Trigger are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.