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intransitive
[ in-tran-si-tiv ]
noun
intransitive
/ ɪnˈtrænsɪtɪv /
adjective
- denoting a verb when it does not require a direct object
- denoting a verb that customarily does not require a direct object
"to faint" is an intransitive verb
- 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
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Derived Forms
- inˈtransitively, adverb
- inˌtransiˈtivity, noun
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Other Words From
- in·transi·tive·ly adverb
- in·transi·tive·ness noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of intransitive1
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Example Sentences
This meaning of , taken as intransitive, is rather vague, but I believe substantially correct.
The intransitive form derives from the transitive by dropping a generalized, customary, reflexive or cognate object.
Indeed, the intransitive form of the Anglo-Saxon verb winnan, whence our win, signifies "To gain the victory."
Smake, perceive by smell; a rare transitive use; see 211/497 for the intransitive, give out a smell.
What looks at first, therefore, like a copula turns out to be merely an impersonal intransitive verb.
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