Word
transitive
Phoneticstran·si·tive
UK/tɹˈænsɪtˌɪv/
Definition
adj. describing a verb that needs a direct object to make sense. You use this when the action of the verb moves from the subject to something else.
adj. relating to a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The action or state described by the verb is transferred to or directed toward an object.
Examples
“The verb 'eat' is transitive because you must eat something.”
“In the sentence 'She gave the book to her friend', the verb 'gave' is transitive as it requires the direct object 'the book'.”
“While some languages allow for a high degree of ambiguity, English requires that every transitive verb be followed by a direct object to ensure the sentence remains grammatically complete and semantically clear.”
Examples
simple
“The verb 'eat' is transitive because you must eat something.”
contextual
“In the sentence 'She gave the book to her friend', the verb 'gave' is transitive as it requires the direct object 'the book'.”
complex
“While some languages allow for a high degree of ambiguity, English requires that every transitive verb be followed by a direct object to ensure the sentence remains grammatically complete and semantically clear.”
Etymology
From Latin trānsitīvus, from trānsitus, from trāns (“across”) + itus, from eō (“to go”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/transitive