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definitions

intransitive

[in-tran-si-tiv]Grammar
|

adjective

noting or having the quality of an intransitive verb.

noun

intransitive verb.

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Nearby words

  1. intranational,
  2. intranet,
  3. intrans.,
  4. intransigence,
  5. intransigent,
  6. intransitive verb,
  7. intrant,
  8. intranuclear,
  9. intraocular,
  10. intraocular lens

Origin of intransitive

From the Latin word intrānsitīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See in-3, transitive
Related formsin·tran·si·tive·ly, adverbin·tran·si·tive·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for intransitive

British Dictionary definitions for intransitive

intransitive

adjective

  1. denoting a verb when it does not require a direct object
  2. denoting a verb that customarily does not require a direct object"to faint" is an intransitive verb
  3. (as noun)a verb in either of these categories
denoting an adjective or noun that does not require any particular noun phrase as a referent
logic maths (of a relation) having the property that if it holds between one argument and a second, and between the second and a third, it must fail to hold between the first and the third"being the mother of" is an intransitive relation
Compare transitive, pseudo-intransitive
Derived Formsintransitively, adverbintransitivity or intransitiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for intransitive

intransitive

adj.

1610s, from Late Latin intransitivus "not passing over" (to another person), Priscian's term, from Latin in- "not" (see in- (1)) + transitivus "that may pass over," from transire "to pass over" (see transitive).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper