partake

American  

[pahr-teyk] / pɑrˈteɪk /

verb (used without object)

partook, partaken, partaking

1. to take or have a part or share along with others; participate (usually followed byin ).

   He won't partake in the victory celebration.

2. to receive, take, or have a share or portion (usually followed byof ).

   to partake of a meal.

3. to have something of the nature or character (usually followed byof ).

   feelings partaking of both joy and regret.

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verb (used with object)

partook, partaken, partaking

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

partake British  

/ pɑːˈteɪk /

verb

1. (foll by in) to have a share; participate

   to partake in the excitement

2. (foll by of) to take or receive a portion, esp of food or drink

   each partook of the food offered to him

3. (foll by of) to suggest or have some of the quality (of)

   music partaking of sadness

4. archaic (tr) to share in

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Usage

Partake of is sometimes wrongly used as if it were a synonym of eat or drink. Correctly, one can only partake of food or drink which is available for several people to share

Related Words

See share ¹.

Other Word Forms

• partakable adjective
• partaker noun
• prepartake verb (used without object)
• unpartaken adjective
• unpartaking adjective

Etymology

Origin of partake

First recorded in 1555–65; back formation from partaking, Middle English part taking, translation of Latin participātiō “taking part”; see participation

Explanation

When you partake in something, you join in, like when you partake in the three-legged race and bobbing for apples at your town fall festival. The verb partake is almost always followed by the word in, and used in a somewhat formal context. You partake in whatever activities you participate — or take part — in, like when you partake in a backyard football game or partake in your family's holiday cookie making party. If you get a share of something, you also partake of it, like when you partake of the delicious buffet at your cousin's wedding.

Example Sentences

The most fortunate part of Bell Labs’ situation, however, was that in being attached to a monopoly it could partake in long-term thinking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Homeland Security secretaries do not typically partake in field operations.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Moreno’s ingenuity as an independent bilingual creative allowed her to freely partake in various opportunities in entertainment.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Despite the unconstitutional elements of the move, not only did Han choose not to oppose it but decided to partake in it, the judge said.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Since she refused to partake of the local social life, Jean de Satigny was forced to go alone to the numerous events to which they were invited.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende