partake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, sometimes humorous
Quick answer
What does “partake” mean?
To take part in or share in an activity, especially food, drink, or an experience.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To take part in or share in an activity, especially food, drink, or an experience.
To have a share or portion of something; to join in; to possess or display a certain quality (archaic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major syntactic differences. Slightly more common in British English in formal or humorous contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can sound slightly pompous or jocular if used for mundane activities (e.g., 'partake of a sandwich').
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but perhaps marginally higher in UK formal writing and invitations.
Grammar
How to Use “partake” in a Sentence
[Sb] partake in [sth][Sb] partake of [sth][Sb] partake [in/of] [sth] (with [sb])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “partake” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Guests are welcome to partake in the garden party.
- He partook of the traditional Sunday roast with enthusiasm.
- They did not partake in the vote.
American English
- Everyone is encouraged to partake in the community potluck.
- She partook of the celebratory champagne.
- The committee members partook in a lengthy debate.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in formal invitations: 'You are invited to partake in the networking session.'
Academic
Formal, used in humanities/social sciences: 'The study examines how communities partake in collective rituals.'
Everyday
Uncommon. Sounds formal or humorous: 'Would you care to partake of some cake?'
Technical
Very rare outside specific liturgical or ceremonial contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “partake”
- Using it without 'in' or 'of' (e.g., 'I partook the cake' is incorrect).
- Using it for very informal contexts where 'join in' or 'have some' is more natural.
- Confusing 'partake of' (share/consume) with 'partake in' (participate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered formal or literary. In everyday speech, 'take part', 'join in', or 'have some' are more common.
'Partake in' means to participate in an activity. 'Partake of' means to consume or share in something, usually food, drink, or an abstract quality (e.g., 'partake of the nature of a parable').
The past tense is 'partook' and the past participle is 'partaken'.
Rarely. It is almost always used with 'in' or 'of' + an object. An intransitive use (e.g., 'Will you partake?') is archaic and sounds incomplete in modern English.
To take part in or share in an activity, especially food, drink, or an experience.
Partake: in British English it is pronounced /pɑːˈteɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɑːrˈteɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Partake of the feast”
- “Partake in the festivities”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Take a PART' in something. You PART-AKE (take a part).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL ACTIVITY IS A SHARED MEAL (e.g., 'partake in the discussion').
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition is LEAST likely to follow 'partake' in modern standard English?