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Participle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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participle

[ˈpɑːrtɪsɪpəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

grammar term

A participle is a form of a verb that functions as an adjective, describing a noun or pronoun. In English, there are two types of participles: present participles, which end in -ing, and past participles, often ending in -ed, -en, or irregular forms. Participles can also be used to form various verb tenses, including the perfect and the continuous aspects. For example, in the sentence 'The running water is cold,' 'running' is a present participle modifying 'water.' Participles are fundamental in English grammar and contribute to conveying actions or states related to subjects.

Synonyms

adjectival form, verb form.

Examples of usage

  • The burned toast was inedible.
  • She looked stunning in her dancing dress.
  • The broken toy was on the shelf.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • Participles come in two forms: present participle (ending in -ing) and past participle (often ending in -ed, -en, or irregular forms).
  • They are used in perfect tenses, such as 'have eaten,' showing completed actions.
  • Participles can also create phrases that add detail to sentences, like 'running water' or 'broken glass.'

Literature

  • Authors often use participles to create vivid imagery and detail; for example, 'the howling wind' sets a scene quickly.
  • In poetry, the rhythmic use of participles helps create a flowing and dynamic feel, enhancing the expression.
  • Great works from Shakespeare to contemporary writers leverage participles to add richness and depth to their descriptions.

Psychology

  • Using participles effectively can improve communication clarity, helping listeners or readers grasp ideas quickly.
  • Studies suggest that more complex sentence structures, like those including participles, may engage critical thinking in readers.
  • Learning to use participles can boost language confidence, encouraging more nuanced expression in writing and speaking.

Education

  • English language learners often find participles tricky, as they blend action and description, making them a focal point in grammar studies.
  • Effective teaching techniques use visuals and examples to help students understand how participles modify nouns, enhancing their learning experience.
  • Grammar games and exercises focused on participles can make learning more engaging for students of all ages.

Origin of 'participle'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'participle' comes from the Latin 'participium,' meaning 'a sharing,' reflecting how it shares qualities of both verbs and adjectives.
  • In Old French, it became 'participe,' which carried over the same meaning into English.
  • The use of participles can be traced back to ancient languages, including Greek and Latin, where they played a vital role in verb conjugation.

The term 'participle' comes from the Latin word 'participle', derived from 'participium', which means 'to share' or 'to partake'. This reflects the participle's dual nature in grammar, as it 'shares' attributes of both verbs and adjectives. The Latin word 'participare' itself combines 'pars', meaning 'part', and 'capere', meaning 'to seize'. This historical background hints at the participle's role in the structure of sentences, capturing both action (as a verb) and description (as an adjective). Over time, the use of participles has evolved in various languages, maintaining their core function but adapting to new grammatical frameworks. In English, the participle's importance has been reinforced throughout the evolution of the language, especially with the introduction of complex verb forms during the Middle English period.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,844, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.