rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryintransitiveWithout a direct object
adjective / noun

intransitive

in-TRAN-zuh-tiv/ɪnˈtrænzətɪv/

A verb that does not take a direct object, or describing such a verb.

An intransitive verb does not take a direct object.

Cat sleeps: concrete example of intransitive action without direct object.
Etymology
inLatinnot
+transitLatinpass over
+iveLatinhaving the capacity to

The pieces mean “not passing over.” In the grammatical image, a verb's action passes over to a direct object; an intransitive verb does not make that passage.

In context

Alisa Safari10:31
many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive they can be transitive in one sentence and intransitive in another sentence
TRANSITIVE and INTRANSITIVE Verbs in English language. English Grammar.

More examples

  • In “The baby sleeps,” the verb “sleeps” is intransitive.
  • The verb “eat” can be transitive or intransitive.
  • The teacher lists “arrive” and “vanish” as intransitives.

Forms

intransitive · intransitives

intransitively adverb — Without taking a direct object.

intransitivity noun — The property of taking no direct object.