Meaning & use
transitive
Last updated
Describing a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning.
See it in a sentence
In 'She read the book,' 'read' is transitive because it takes the direct object 'book.'
Some verbs, like 'eat,' can be both transitive ('eat an apple') and intransitive ('she ate already').
A note on using this word
A grammar term contrasted with 'intransitive,' which describes verbs that make complete sense without a direct object.
Words with an opposite meaning
intransitive
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “transitive”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.