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

Those who refuse say they are denied the chance to participate in public works schemes, often the only local work available.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

And engineer-by-training Christina Koch, 47, will become the first woman to participate in a lunar mission.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

It's not a coincidence that Canada was invited to participate in this mission.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Under Erisa, loyal and conflict-free retirement-plan fiduciaries have discretion and flexibility to determine the investments most likely to maximize risk-adjusted return for the retirement savers who participate in their plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“I am willing to let that little jab slide. It would be wonderful if you would participate in our mascot change campaign, Jessica.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Related Words

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