Intransitive: meaning, definitions and examples
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intransitive
[ ˌɪntrænˈzɪtɪv ]
grammar usage
Intransitive describes a type of verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning. Intransitive verbs can stand alone in a sentence, conveying complete thoughts without needing to transfer action to an object. For example, in the sentence 'He sleeps,' the verb 'sleeps' is intransitive because it does not act upon a direct object. This contrasts with transitive verbs, which do need a direct object to make sense.
Synonyms
non-transitive.
Examples of usage
- She runs every morning.
- They laughed at the joke.
- The baby cried.
- He sleeps soundly at night.
Translations
Translations of the word "intransitive" in other languages:
🇵🇹 intransitivo
🇮🇳 असंक्रामक
🇩🇪 intransitiv
🇮🇩 intransitif
🇺🇦 неперехідний
🇵🇱 intransytywny
🇯🇵 自動詞の (じどうしの)
🇫🇷 intransitif
🇪🇸 intransitivo
🇹🇷 geçişsiz
🇰🇷 자동사 (jadongsa)
🇸🇦 غير متعدٍ (ghayr muta'addi)
🇨🇿 nepřechodný
🇸🇰 neprechodný
🇨🇳 不及物的 (bù jí wù de)
🇸🇮 neprehodni
🇮🇸 óbeitt
🇰🇿 өтпейтін
🇬🇪 არამატარებელი (aramatarebeli)
🇦🇿 keçirilməz
🇲🇽 intransitivo
Etymology
The term 'intransitive' has its roots in Latin, deriving from the word 'intransitivus,' which means not passing over. This Latin term is formed from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'transit', meaning 'to go across' or 'to pass'. The concept emerged as linguists studied the functions of verbs in sentences, categorizing them based on whether they required an object for their meaning. The emergence of the word in its current usage can be traced back to the early 19th century, becoming an essential part of grammatical terminology in English. The distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs has contributed significantly to our understanding of sentence structure and verb functions, playing a critical role in teaching and learning grammar.