First Known Use: 1612
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
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Origin of INTRANSITIVE
Late Latin intransitivus, from Latin in- + Late Latin transitivus transitive
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
INTRANSITIVITY Defined for Kids
intransitive
adjective in·tran·si·tive \in-ˈtran-sə-tiv, -ˈtran-zə-\
Definition of INTRANSITIVE for Kids
: not having or containing a direct object <In “the bird flies,” the word “flies” is an intransitive verb.>
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