intransitive

American  

[in-tran-si-tiv] / ɪnˈtræn sɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. noting or having the quality of an intransitive verb.

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noun

1. intransitive verb.

intransitive British  

/ ɪnˈtrænsɪtɪv /

adjective

1. 1. denoting a verb when it does not require a direct object

   2. denoting a verb that customarily does not require a direct object

      "to faint" is an intransitive verb

   3. (as noun) a verb in either of these categories

2. denoting an adjective or noun that does not require any particular noun phrase as a referent

3. 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

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Other Word Forms

• intransitiveness
  noun
• intransitivity
  noun
• intransitively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of intransitive

From the Latin word intrānsitīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See in- ³, transitive

Example Sentences

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

Roots: definition of, 28; idea conveyed by, 50; modification of English spelling, 52; transitive, intransitive, 237i.

From The International Auxiliary Language Esperanto Grammar and Commentary by Cox, George