Definition

The quality of a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

Example

In English, the transitiveness of a verb determines whether it can take a direct object or not.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of transitiveness in language?

Not really, what do you mean by that?

Well, it refers to how certain verbs can take direct objects, which is pretty interesting.

That makes sense! I guess it helps in understanding sentence structure better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Transitiveness → It is formed from "trans-" (meaning across) and "it" (from Latin "ire", meaning to go) and the suffix "-ness" (indicating a state or quality). The word "transitiveness" refers to the quality of being able to go across or transfer an action from a subject to an object.

Memory Tip

Think of 'going across' ('trans-') and 'to go' ('ire') to remember that 'transitiveness' describes the quality of transferring an action.

Visually Confused Words