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Transitive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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transitive

[ˈtrænzɪtɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

grammar usage

In grammar, a transitive verb is one that requires one or more objects in a sentence to express a complete thought. This contrasts with intransitive verbs, which do not take objects. Transitive verbs can express actions that are directed toward someone or something. For example, in the sentence 'She kicked the ball', 'kicked' is a transitive verb because it has a direct object, 'the ball'. Understanding transitive verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences.

Synonyms

object-taking, requirement.

Examples of usage

  • He reads the book.
  • They painted the fence.
  • She invited her friends.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • In English, transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, like 'She kicked the ball'.
  • Examples of transitive verbs include 'give', 'find', and 'make', where the action moves from the subject to the object.
  • Transitive verbs contrast with intransitive verbs, which do not need an object, like 'he sleeps'.

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, the transitive property is often discussed in relation to relationships and logical statements.
  • It is used to explore concepts of identity and relationships in various philosophical arguments.
  • The Transitive Closure property helps in understanding complex structures, like social networks.

Education

  • Teaching about transitive verbs is fundamental in English language learning and helps build sentence structure skills.
  • Understanding transitivity can enhance writing clarity and precision.
  • Many educational games and activities are designed to reinforce the concept of transitivity in language.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, transitive relations are crucial in set theory, showing how elements relate to each other.
  • A classic example of a transitive relation in math is the relationship 'is greater than'; if A > B and B > C, then A > C.
  • Understanding transitivity in functions helps in solving equations and inequalities.

Origin of 'transitive'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'transitive' comes from the Latin word 'transitivus', meaning 'to go across'.
  • It was first used in the grammatical sense in the 14th century to describe verbs that transfer action.
  • In mathematics, it describes a property where if A relates to B and B relates to C, then A must relate to C.

The term 'transitive' comes from the Latin word 'transitivus', which means 'passing over, crossing, or going beyond'. This Latin term is derived from 'transit', meaning 'to go across or pass over'. In the context of grammar, 'transitive' was first used in the early 19th century to describe verbs that conveyed actions affecting an object. The usage of the term has evolved to encompass various aspects of grammatical structure and linguistic study, relating to the relationship between verbs and their objects. Understanding transitive actions has been a fundamental aspect of linguistics, helping to explain how different languages structure their sentences and convey meaning.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,114, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.