participate

[ pahr-tis-uh-peyt ]

verb (used without object)

, par·tic·i·pat·ed, par·tic·i·pat·ing.

1. to take or have a part or share, as with others; partake; share (usually followed by in ):

   to participate in profits;

   to participate in a play.

verb (used with object)

, par·tic·i·pat·ed, par·tic·i·pat·ing.

1. Archaic. to take or have a part or share in; partake in; share.

participate

/ pɑːˈtɪsɪˌpeɪt /

verb

1. introften foll byin to take part, be or become actively involved, or share (in)

Derived Forms

• parˈticiˌpator, noun
• parˈticipatory, adjective
• parˌticiˈpation, noun
• parˈticipant, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• par·tici·pating·ly adverb
• par·tici·pative adjective
• par·tici·pative·ly adverb
• par·tici·pator noun
• par·tic·i·pa·to·ry [pahr-, tis, -, uh, -p, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• unpar·tici·pated adjective
• unpar·tici·pating adjective
• unpar·tici·pative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of participate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin participātus “shared,” past participle of participāre “to share,” equivalent to particip- (stem of particeps ) “taking part, partner” ( participle ) + -āre, verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of participate¹

C16: from Latin participāre, from pars part + capere to take

Synonym Study

See share ¹.

Example Sentences

According to Florida’s law, it remains a felony to perform or actively participate in an abortion six weeks after gestation, with limited exceptions that are designed to be difficult to use and frequently act as another burden for patients to overcome.

From Salon

Influencers are training to participate in amateur boxing matches in a bid to gain more attention and fans.

From Los Angeles Times

“The internet has always allowed us to participate in mass nostalgia,” Lorenz said, because “social media encourages us to gloss over the bad.”

From Slate

It’s just not anything I want to participate in.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of those who have been given the longest sentences, such as Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, did not participate in the violence inside the building.

From BBC

Related Words

• aid
• compete
• cooperate
• engage
• engage in
• perform
• play
• share