partake

[pahr-teyk]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of partake¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of partake¹

C16: back formation from partaker, earlier part taker, based on Latin particeps participant; see _part , _take

Synonym Study

See share ¹.

Example Sentences

But what really made Brown see himself clearly was the time he and Bathé partook in the psychedelic ayahuasca at a Costa Rica dispensary.

From Los Angeles Times

He didn’t drink and he was about to get married, so the frat house atmosphere of a professional baseball team wasn’t one he partook of.

From Los Angeles Times

Though she initially approved, allegedly pouring water on herself and stating “Wooh that s— feel good,” it was when the plaintiff partook that the rapper abruptly and “forcefully” threw her microphone.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, parts of her behavior are informed by her culture — but yelling at a man who is trying to make you seem crazy is a universal experience we should all partake in.

From Los Angeles Times

Along with boozy drag brunches and dancing at the Pink Pony Club, partake in L.A.-area activities and events this Pride Month that serve as a lifeline for queer community and creativity.

From Los Angeles Times