Dictionary

intransitive

adjective in·tran·si·tive \(ˌ)in-ˈtran(t)-sə-tiv, -ˈtran-zə-; -ˈtran(t)s-tiv\

grammar of a verb : not taking or having a direct object

Full Definition of INTRANSITIVE

: not transitive; especially : characterized by not having or containing a direct object <an intransitive verb>

— in·tran·si·tive·ly adverb

— in·tran·si·tive·ness noun

— in·tran·si·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtran(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē, -ˌtran-zə-\ noun

See intransitive defined for English-language learners

See intransitive defined for kids

Late Latin intransitivus, from Latin in- + Late Latin transitivus transitive

First Known Use: 1612

INTRANSITIVE Defined for Kids

adjective in·tran·si·tive \in-ˈtran-sə-tiv, -ˈtran-zə-\

: not having or containing a direct object <In “the bird flies,” the word “flies” is an intransitive verb.>

Next Word in the Dictionary: intransitivizePrevious Word in the Dictionary: intransitableAll Words Near: intransitive

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