partake

American  

[pahr-teyk] / pɑrˈteɪk /

verb (used without object)

partook, partaken, partaking

1. to take or have a part or share along with others; participate (usually followed byin ).

   He won't partake in the victory celebration.

2. to receive, take, or have a share or portion (usually followed byof ).

   to partake of a meal.

3. to have something of the nature or character (usually followed byof ).

   feelings partaking of both joy and regret.

---

verb (used with object)

partook, partaken, partaking

1. to take or have a part in; share.

partake British  

/ pɑːˈteɪk /

verb

1. (foll by in) to have a share; participate

   to partake in the excitement

2. (foll by of) to take or receive a portion, esp of food or drink

   each partook of the food offered to him

3. (foll by of) to suggest or have some of the quality (of)

   music partaking of sadness

4. archaic (tr) to share in

---

Usage

Partake of is sometimes wrongly used as if it were a synonym of eat or drink. Correctly, one can only partake of food or drink which is available for several people to share

Related Words

See share ¹.

Other Word Forms

• partakable
  adjective
• partaker
  noun
• prepartake
  verb (used without object)
• unpartaken
  adjective
• unpartaking
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of partake

First recorded in 1555–65; back formation from partaking, Middle English part taking, translation of Latin participātiō “taking part”; see participation

Explanation

When you partake in something, you join in, like when you partake in the three-legged race and bobbing for apples at your town fall festival. The verb partake is almost always followed by the word in, and used in a somewhat formal context. You partake in whatever activities you participate — or take part — in, like when you partake in a backyard football game or partake in your family's holiday cookie making party. If you get a share of something, you also partake of it, like when you partake of the delicious buffet at your cousin's wedding.

Example Sentences

In the past few years, brands such as Surreal, WellBeing, Partake and Athletic — all dedicated exclusively to nonalcoholic beer — have come onto the scene, and Brooklyn Brewery and Lagunitas introduced nonalcoholic options.

From Washington Post • Apr. 6, 2021

Partake in a classic Christmas ritual: the New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

From New York Times • Dec. 26, 2020

Partake of the Laying on of Hands for Healing in Holy Spirit Chapel from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2014

Partake or not; alternatives include salads, burgers and wraps.

From New York Times • May 26, 2011

Steeped in her sunshine, let me, while I may, Partake the bounty; ample 'tis for me That her mirth cheats my temples of their gray, Her charm makes years long spent seem yet to be.

From The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell by Lowell, James Russell