Reboot vs Revive

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Reboot

Top 2,000 (common)

Revive

Top 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
Most common: Reboot
 RebootRevive
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈriːbʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈriːbuːt//🇬🇧 //rɪˈvaɪv//🇺🇸 //rɪˈvaɪv//
MeaningTo start a computer again after turning it off.To bring something back to life or a better condition.
ExampleIf your computer is slow, you should reboot it.The doctors managed to revive him after the heart attack.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
CEFR level-C1
Part of speechverb
Collocationsreboot the computer, reboot the system, reboot the game, reboot the project, reboot sequencerevive interest, revive health, revive a tradition
Antonyms-deaden, demoralize, dull
Common mistakesUsing 'reboot' for non-computer-related contexts without clarification., Confusing 'reboot' with 'restart' in casual speech, even though they are similar., Using 'rebooted' incorrectly as an adjective.Confused with 'survive' which has a different meaning., Incorrectly used in passive voice (e.g., 'It was revived by him' without context).
Usage notesCommonly used in tech contexts. Can also refer to restarting a process or project. Avoid in very formal writing.Use in contexts of health, emotions, creativity, or interest. Fits in formal and informal conversations but more common in neutral or formal contexts.

Frequently asked questions: Reboot vs Revive

What's the difference between Reboot and Revive?

Reboot: To start a computer again after turning it off. Revive: To bring something back to life or a better condition.

Which is more common: Reboot and Revive?

Reboot is the most common in everyday English.

Can I use Reboot and Revive interchangeably?

Not always. Reboot and Revive 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.