partake
/pɑːˈteɪk/- 1.
To take part in an activity or event together with other people. This is a formal way to say 'join in' or 'take part in.'
- All students were encouraged to partake in the group discussion.
- He chose not to partake in the office celebrations.
- She partook in every workshop offered at the conference.
- 2.
To eat or drink some of something, especially when it is offered to you. This use is formal and a little old-fashioned, and is usually followed by 'of.'
- Guests were warmly invited to partake of the buffet.
- He rarely partakes of alcohol at social gatherings.
Adinary Nuance
"Partake" sits in the same cluster as "participate," "take part," and "join," but it is the most formal and literary of the group. Where "take part in" feels neutral and everyday, "partake in" carries a slightly elevated, old-fashioned tone that can make writing sound polished — or stiff if overused. In IELTS and academic writing, "participate in" is the safer and more widely expected choice; "partake in" works well for vocabulary variety, but once or twice is enough. The phrase "partake of" (used with food or drink) is a fixed, somewhat archaic expression that none of its near-neighbors — not even "participate" — can replace.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tham gia
- Spanish
- participar
- Chinese
- 参与
- Japanese
- 参加する
- Korean
- 참여하다
Etymology
Formed in the 16th century from the English words "part" and "take," modeled on the Latin word "particeps" meaning "one who shares in." The earlier written form was "part-take," which later fused into a single word.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'partake in' and 'partake of'?
- 'Partake in' means to join or take part in an activity or event. 'Partake of' means to eat or drink some of something. Both are formal, but 'partake of' for food and drink has a more old-fashioned, literary feel.
- What is the difference between 'partake' and 'participate'?
- They mean almost the same thing when used with activities. However, 'participate in' is more common and expected in academic and IELTS writing. 'Partake in' sounds slightly more literary and can feel dated if used too often.
- Is 'partake' a formal word?
- Yes, 'partake' is a formal word. In everyday conversation, people usually say 'join,' 'join in,' or 'take part in' instead. It is a strong vocabulary choice for IELTS writing or academic essays.
- What is the past tense of 'partake'?
- The past tense is 'partook' and the past participle is 'partaken.' For example: 'She partook in the ceremony' or 'They had partaken of the traditional feast.'