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Mechanism vs Activity - What's the difference?

mechanism | activity |

As nouns the difference between mechanism and activity

is that mechanism is within a machine or machinery; any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power while activity is the state or quality of being active; nimbleness; agility; vigorous action or operation; energy; active force; as, an increasing variety of human activities.

mechanism

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • Within a machine or machinery; any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.
  • Any combination of cams, gears, links, belts, chains and logical mechanical elements.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03
  • , author=(Henry Petroski) , title=Opening Doors , volume=100, issue=2, page=112-3 , magazine= citation , passage=A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism —known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place.}}
  • A group of objects or parts that interact together. (as in Political machine )
  • A mental, physical or chemical process.
  • (philosophy) A theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.
  • Derived terms

    * defense mechanism * reaction mechanism

    activity

    Noun

    (activities)
  • The state or quality of being active; nimbleness; agility; vigorous action or operation; energy; active force; as, an increasing variety of human activities.
  • Something done as an action or a movement.
  • Something done for pleasure or entertainment, especially one involving movement or an excursion.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=David Simpson
  • , volume=188, issue=26, page=36, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Fantasy of navigation , passage=Like most human activities , ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at high altitudes, there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth.}}
  • Use (of internet, playstation, bank account etc.).
  • Usage notes

    * Adjectives often used with "activity": increased, decreased, high, low, volcanic, seismic, eruptive, intellectual, physical, mental, spiritual, muscular, cerebral, favorite, recreational, practical, cultural, artistic, literary, musical, political, diplomatic, military, domestic, voluntary, missionary, chemical, optical, productive, reproductive, industrial, commercial, etc.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * rest * passivity

    Derived terms

    * radioactivity