Word
participation
Phoneticspar·tic·i·pa·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/pɑɹˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən/
UK/pɑːtˈɪsɪpˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01taking part in an activity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of joining in or being part of an activity or event.
n. the act of participating or taking part in an event, activity, or collective effort.
“The teacher encouraged active participation in the classroom discussion.”
“The success of the community garden project relied heavily on the consistent participation of local volunteers throughout the growing season.”
Usage
Usually takes the preposition 'in'.
Pitfall
The participation to the event was high.
The participation in the event was high.
Use the preposition 'in' after participation to show what activity people joined.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02consultation and involvement
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. the process of letting people give their opinions or help plan a project.
n. the systematic involvement of stakeholders or citizens in decision-making processes or project planning.
“The government promised more public participation in the new urban planning project.”
“Effective democratic governance requires meaningful public participation rather than merely symbolic consultation sessions.”
Usage
Often used in political or sociological contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03financial interest
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. having a share in the profits or ownership of a business.
n. a right to share in the profits or a specific ownership interest in a financial venture.
“The contract included a profit participation clause for the lead investors.”
“The bank secured a participation in the loan syndicate, allowing it to share the risk and the interest returns with other lenders.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “participation” in context.
Verb
01. encourage participation
“The teacher used interactive games to encourage participation from all the students.”
verb + noun
02. increase participation
“The government is launching a new campaign to increase participation in local elections.”
verb + noun
03. require participation
“Some university courses require participation in weekly seminars to pass the module.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. active participation
“Active participation in class discussions helps students understand the material better.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. participation in
“Her participation in the charity marathon helped raise thousands of dollars.”
noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“In a first, five countries -- Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland -- boycotted the 2026 competition in Vienna over Israel's participation.” “Getting more young people into work would, though, revitalise the life chances of millions and drive up labour participation – boosting the economy and public finances.” “There are lulls – including an audience participation sequence I’m not sure justifies itself – but far more highs, such as the West Side Story-alike teenage bully dance number.” “Defeat for Ivory Coast means missing out on what would have been its second World Cup appearance after 2015, while Ghana can maintain its hope of a fourth participation and first since 2007.” Etymology
From Middle English participacioun, from Middle French [Term?], from Old French participacion, from Late Latin participatiō. By surface analysis, participate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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