First Known Use: 1590
Dictionary
transitive
adjective tran·si·tive \ˈtran(t)-sə-tiv, ˈtran-zə-; ˈtran(t)s-tiv\
grammar of a verb : having or taking a direct object
Full Definition of TRANSITIVE
1
: characterized by having or containing a direct object <a transitive verb>
2
: being or relating to a relation with the property that if the relation holds between a first element and a second and between the second element and a third, it holds between the first and third elements <equality is a transitive relation>
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by transition
— tran·si·tive·ly adverb
— tran·si·tive·ness noun
— tran·si·tiv·i·ty \ˌtran(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē, ˌtran-zə-\ noun
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Origin of TRANSITIVE
Late Latin transitivus, from Latin transitus, past participle of transire
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
TRANSITIVE Defined for Kids
transitive
adjective tran·si·tive \ˈtran-sə-tiv, -zə-\
Definition of TRANSITIVE for Kids
: having or containing a direct object <transitive verbs>
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