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.

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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

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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”; participation

Example Sentences

Unbeknownst to us, we were also partaking in a sort of quiet rebellion, indulging in something that’s not neatly defined as cold-weather cuisine.

From Salon

To partake of the forbidden apple cake—and who could resist it?—is to know that joy is always ringed by sorrow, and made sweeter for it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite the unconstitutional elements of the move, not only did Han choose not to oppose it but decided to partake in it, the judge said.

From Barron's

On any given day, around one in 10 Americans will partake of a slice, according to the Agriculture Department.

From The Wall Street Journal

During her dream bridal shower, Williams and her friends munched on Asian food before partaking in a lip-synch battle.

From MarketWatch