TRANSITIVE VERB Definition & Meaning

transitive verb

noun

Grammar.

a verb accompanied by a direct object and from which a passive can be formed, as deny, rectify, elect.

transitive verb

A verb that needs a direct object to complete its meaning. Bring , enjoy , and prefer are transitive verbs. ( Compare intransitive verb .)

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Notes

Some verbs can be transitive in one sentence and intransitive in another: turned is transitive in “Brenda turned the wheel sharply” but intransitive in “Fred turned when I called.”

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of transitive verb¹

First recorded in 1580–90

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Compare Meanings

How does transitive verb compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

This demonstrates the fundamental difference between a talk-variety show where the title delineates the host by using a preposition, "with," instead of a transitive verb, i.e, "starring."

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So did the Argentine military turn “disappear” into a transitive verb and the ocean into a mass grave.

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You can’t fake a transitive verb As it turns out, I’m not the only one who falls into this trap.

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But it is a legitimate transitive verb: I looked it up.

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The man is a transitive verb, a frantic genius and maybe even a darkly comic psycho — as are many of the great American filmmakers.

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