participate

American  

[pahr-tis-uh-peyt] / pɑrˈtɪs əˌpeɪt /

verb (used without object)

participated, participating

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

   to participate in profits;

   to participate in a play.

---

verb (used with object)

participated, participating

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

participate British  

/ pɑːˈtɪsɪˌpeɪt /

verb

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

---

Related Words

See share ¹.

Other Word Forms

• participant adjective
• participatingly adverb
• participation noun
• participative adjective
• participatively adverb
• participator noun
• participatory adjective
• unparticipated adjective
• unparticipating adjective
• unparticipative adjective

Etymology

Origin of participate

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

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Alberta and Saskatchewan, two conservative provinces in western Canada, have refused to participate in the programme.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

I wanted to participate in the world as a normal person.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

In the statement McCathern said that Nacua would complete the program in time to participate in Rams organized team activities.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Mudrick Capital, Vertical’s largest shareholder, agreed to restructure some existing debt and participate in the offering.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

“Do you want to explain your reluctance to participate in class?”

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

Related Words

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