English edit

Etymology edit

Back-formation from Middle English part-takinge, part-takynge (a sharing; partaking), a calque of Latin particeps (participating); equivalent to part +‎ take. Compare take part.

Pronunciation edit

Verb edit

partake (third-person singular simple present partakes, present participle partaking, simple past partook, past participle partaken)

  1. (intransitive, formal) To take part in an activity; to participate.
  2. (intransitive) To take a share or portion (of or in).
    Will you partake of some food?
  3. (intransitive, archaic) To have something of the properties, character, or office (of).
    • c. 1620, Francis Bacon, letter of advice to Sir George Villiers
      the Attorney of the Duchy of Lancaster , who partakes of both qualities, partly of a judge in the court, and partly of an attorney-general
    • 2001, David L. Lieber and Jules Harlow, Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, page 1107:
      The people are encouraged to perceive their liberation in historic terms and to trust that new events will partake of past glories.

Translations edit