part
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.one of the pieces that makes up a whole object or group.
n.an individual constituent or component that belongs to a larger entity.
Simple“The mechanic had to order a new part for the car's engine.”
In context“Each mechanical part must be machined to precise tolerances to ensure the assembly functions without friction.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.a character played by an actor in a movie or play.
n.the character assigned to an actor in a dramatic production.
Simple“She was thrilled to get the lead part in the school play.”
In context“The actor spent months researching the historical figure to bring depth to his part in the upcoming biopic.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.your share of work or responsibility in an activity.
n.the expected duty, responsibility, or contribution of an individual within a collective effort.
Simple“Everyone must do their part to keep the park clean.”
In context“While the marketing team led the campaign, the legal department played a crucial part in ensuring regulatory compliance.”
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
n.the line on your head where you brush your hair in different directions.
n.the line of scalp visible when hair is combed in opposite directions.
Simple“He changed his part from the left side to the middle.”
In context“The stylist suggested a jagged part to give the hair more volume and a modern edge.”
UsageIn British English, this is usually called a 'parting'.
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the music played by one specific instrument or voice in a group.
n.the melody or harmony assigned to a specific instrument or voice within a musical score.
Simple“The flute part is quite difficult in the second movement.”
In context“The conductor asked the cello section to play their part with more vibrato during the bridge.”
- 06 B1 Intermediate
v.to move two things away from each other.
v.to move things or people away from one another; to create a space between.
Simple“The crowd parted to let the ambulance drive through.”
In context“The heavy velvet curtains parted slowly to reveal a minimalist stage design.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to leave someone after being with them.
v.to leave someone's company, often after a significant period or with emotional weight.
Simple“They parted as friends after a long afternoon of talking.”
In context“It was difficult for the old friends to part after so many years of working together in the same office.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'from' or 'with'.
- 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describing only a piece of something, not the whole thing.
adj.constituting only a portion of a whole; incomplete.
Simple“He is a part owner of the local bookstore.”
In context“The project was a part success, meeting its technical goals but failing to stay within the original budget.”
Synonyms - 09 B1 Intermediate
adv.to some degree, but not completely.
adv.to a certain extent; in some degree.
Simple“The house was part finished when they moved in.”
In context“The sculpture was part stone and part metal, creating a striking contrast of textures.”
Antonyms
Usage part of a larger · part of a wider · part of the new
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”)).
From Middle English parten, from Old French partir.
From Middle English part, from the noun.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.