transitivity

UK: /ˌtrænzɪˈtɪvəti/ US: /ˌtrænsɪˈtɪvɪti, -zɪ-/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

tran•si•tive /ˈtrænsɪtɪv, -zɪ-/   adj. 

1. Grammar of or relating to a verb that takes a direct object and from which a passive can be formed:
   The verbs deny, put, and elect are transitive verbs.

n. [countable]

2. Grammar a transitive verb.

tran•si•tive•ly, adv. 
tran•si•tive•ness, tran•si•tiv•i•ty /ˌtrænsɪˈtɪvɪti, -zɪ-/  n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

tran•si•tive  (tran′si tiv, -zi-), adj. 

1. [Gram.] having the nature of a transitive verb.
2. characterized by or involving transition;
   transitional;
   intermediate.
3. passing over to or affecting something else;
   transeunt.
4. [Math.] noting a relation in which one element in relation to a second element and the second in relation to a third element implies the first element is in relation to the third element, as the relation "less than or equal to.''

n. 

5. [Gram.] See transitive verb.

• Late Latin trānsitīvus, equivalent. to Latin trānsit(us) (see transition) + -īvus -ive
• 1550–60

tran ′si•tive•ly, adv. 
tran ′si•tive•ness, tran′si•tiv′i•ty, n.