intransitive
Americanadjective
noun
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
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of intransitive
From the Latin word intrānsitīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See in- 3, transitive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just when you think you’ve wrapped your head around the peculiar behavior of intransitive dice, the brilliant construction below will roll you right back to dumbstruck awe.
From Scientific American ● Sep. 19, 2023
Missing hyphens or incorrect capitalization, ambiguities about singular and plural nouns or transitive and intransitive verbs — no question is too insignificant.
From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2023
Missing hyphens or incorrect capitalization, ambiguities about singular and plural nouns or transitive and intransitive verbs - no question is too insignificant.
From Washington Times ● May 29, 2023
“To bald” may not be a common intransitive verb, but that has not prevented “balding” from entering the language as a participle.
From The New Yorker ● Apr. 2, 2019
The principal intransitive uses were probably derived from the transitive verb used reflexively.
From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Noah Webster
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
