noun
particle
A function word that expresses grammatical meaning.
The linguist identifies to as a particle in the infinitive.
Etymology
The Latin word means a small part. Grammar applies it to small function words whose role is to express relationships or grammatical distinctions.
More examples
- Several particles express grammatical relationships.
- She examined the particle in the sentence.
- The particle changed the phrase's meaning.
Forms
particle · particles
Similar words
- affix
- Attaches to a word rather than standing as a separate word.
- function word
- The broader grammatical category.