participate

American  

[pahr-tis-uh-peyt] / pɑrˈtɪs əˌpeɪt /

verb (used without object)

participated, participating

1. to take or have a part or share, as with others; partake; share (usually followed byin ).

   to participate in profits;

   to participate in a play.

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verb (used with object)

participated, participating

1. Archaic. to take or have a part or share in; partake in; share.

participate British  

/ pɑːˈtɪsɪˌpeɪt /

verb

1. to take part, be or become actively involved, or share (in)

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Related Words

See share ¹.

Other Word Forms

• participant adjective
• participatingly adverb
• participation noun
• participative adjective
• participatively adverb
• participator noun
• participatory adjective
• unparticipated adjective
• unparticipating adjective
• unparticipative adjective

Etymology

Origin of participate

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin participātus “shared,” past participle of participāre “to share,” equivalent to particip- (stem of particeps ) “taking part, partner” ( participle ) + -āre, verb suffix

Example Sentences

When companies go public later — after much of their growth has already occurred — individual investors have fewer opportunities to participate.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The change raised immediate legal concerns and, advocates say, contributed to a chilling effect, with some eligible households opting not to participate.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

The president is to participate in a press conference at 1 p.m., followed by a policy meeting at 2:30 p.m. and a Passover meeting with Jewish leaders at 3:30 p.m.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Ortiz is excited to travel to Los Angeles from Puerto Rico to participate in multiple events for the Joy Who Lived.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

If I want him to participate, I’ll need to cut him loose.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• aid
• compete
• cooperate
• engage
• engage in
• perform
• play
• share