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part

n. · v. · adj. · adv.
US //ˈpɑɹt// UK //pˈɑːt// part
  1. 1 a piece of a whole (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    one of the pieces that makes up a whole object or group.

    an individual constituent or component that belongs to a larger entity.

    Example

    The mechanic had to order a new part for the car's engine.

    Example

    Each mechanical part must be machined to precise tolerances to ensure the assembly functions without friction.
  2. 2 a role or character (n.)
    A2 Elementary Theatre

    a character played by an actor in a movie or play.

    the character assigned to an actor in a dramatic production.

    Example

    She was thrilled to get the lead part in the school play.

    Example

    The actor spent months researching the historical figure to bring depth to his part in the upcoming biopic.
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  1. 3 duty or involvement (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    your share of work or responsibility in an activity.

    the expected duty, responsibility, or contribution of an individual within a collective effort.

    Example

    Everyone must do their part to keep the park clean.

    Example

    While the marketing team led the campaign, the legal department played a crucial part in ensuring regulatory compliance.
  2. 4 hair line (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    the line on your head where you brush your hair in different directions.

    the line of scalp visible when hair is combed in opposite directions.

    Example

    He changed his part from the left side to the middle.

    Example

    The stylist suggested a jagged part to give the hair more volume and a modern edge.

    Usage

    In British English, this is usually called a 'parting'.
  3. 5 musical line (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    the music played by one specific instrument or voice in a group.

    the melody or harmony assigned to a specific instrument or voice within a musical score.

    Example

    The flute part is quite difficult in the second movement.

    Example

    The conductor asked the cello section to play their part with more vibrato during the bridge.
  4. 6 to separate (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to move two things away from each other.

    to move things or people away from one another; to create a space between.

    Example

    The crowd parted to let the ambulance drive through.

    Example

    The heavy velvet curtains parted slowly to reveal a minimalist stage design.
  5. 7 to say goodbye (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    to leave someone after being with them.

    to leave someone's company, often after a significant period or with emotional weight.

    Example

    They parted as friends after a long afternoon of talking.

    Example

    It was difficult for the old friends to part after so many years of working together in the same office.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'from' or 'with'.
  6. 8 partial (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing only a piece of something, not the whole thing.

    constituting only a portion of a whole; incomplete.

    Example

    He is a part owner of the local bookstore.

    Example

    The project was a part success, meeting its technical goals but failing to stay within the original budget.
  7. 9 partially (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to some degree, but not completely.

    to a certain extent; in some degree.

    Example

    The house was part finished when they moved in.

    Example

    The sculpture was part stone and part metal, creating a striking contrast of textures.
Etymology 1

From Middle English part, from Old English part (“part”) and Old French part (“part”); both from Latin partem, accusative of pars (“piece, portion, share, side, party, faction, role, character, lot, fate, task, lesson, part, member”), from Proto-Indo-European par-, per- (“to sell, exchange”). Akin to Latin portiō (“a portion, part”), parāre (“to make ready, prepare”). Displaced Middle English del, dele (“part”) (from Old English dǣl (“part, distribution”) > Modern English deal (“portion; amount”)), Middle English dale, dole (“part, portion”) (from Old English dāl (“portion”) > Modern English dole), Middle English sliver (“part, portion”) (from Middle English sliven (“to cut, cleave”), from Old English (tō)slifan (“to split”)).

Etymology 2

From Middle English parten, from Old French partir.

Etymology 3

From Middle English part, from the noun.

Word family
Idioms9 entries

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