How Do You Spell TRANSITIVE?

Pronunciation: [tɹˈansɪtˌɪv] (IPA)

The word "transitive" is spelled as /ˈtræn.zɪ.tɪv/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "tran" is pronounced with a /tr/ sound and the second syllable "si" is pronounced with a /z/ sound. The final syllable "tive" is pronounced with a /tɪv/ sound. "Transitive" is used to describe a verb that requires an object to complete its meaning in a sentence. For example, "eat" is a transitive verb because it needs an object, such as "an apple", to convey a complete sentence, such as "I ate an apple."

TRANSITIVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Transitive is an adjective used to describe a specific characteristic of verbs in grammar. It refers to a type of verb that requires both a subject and an object in a sentence to be complete, meaning it necessitates an action to be performed upon someone or something. In other words, a transitive verb denotes an action that is transferred from the subject to an object.

    To illustrate, a simple sentence like "She ate an apple" demonstrates the transitive nature of the verb "ate." In this example, "she" acts as the subject, "ate" as the verb, and "an apple" as the object receiving the action of eating. The verb "ate" cannot adequately convey the intended meaning without directly referencing what the subject ate.

    In contrast, an intransitive verb does not require an object to complete its meaning; it functions independently. For example, the sentence "He ran" uses the intransitive verb "ran" by itself without any object. The verb is complete on its own as it doesn't rely on another element to make sense.

    Understanding whether a verb is transitive or intransitive is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences and conveying clear messages. Additionally, identifying the objects of transitive verbs, known as direct objects, helps establish the relationships and connections between elements in a sentence, contributing to effective communication in written and spoken language.

  2. Having the power of passing; in gram., denoting a verb whose action passes over to, or which has an effect upon, a noun or pronoun.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TRANSITIVE *

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Other Common Misspellings for TRANSITIVE

Etymology of TRANSITIVE

The word "transitive" comes from the Latin term "transitivus", which is derived from the verb "transire", meaning "to go across or pass through". In Latin grammar, "transitivus" was used to describe a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating that the action of the verb is transferred from the subject to an object. Over time, the term "transitive" was adopted into English with the same grammatical sense.

Similar spelling words for TRANSITIVE

Plural form of TRANSITIVE is TRANSITIVES

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