partake

Partake is a verb with two primary senses. The core meaning is to take part in something or to share in it, as in participating in an event or activity. It can also mean to consume or partake of something, especially food or drink, indicating receiving a portion.

In usage, partaking takes either in or of, depending on the sense. Partake in a ceremony or partaking in a discussion emphasizes participation in an activity. Partake of a meal or partake of the offerings highlights consuming or receiving a portion. In modern prose, partaking in activities is common, while partaking of food or offerings tends to be more formal or literary.

Partake is more formal or literary than many everyday synonyms. In everyday speech, speakers often use participate, join in, or share in instead. The verb is typically used in past or past participle forms: partook (simple past) and partaken (past participle). The imperative form Let us partake is rare in contemporary usage but may appear in ceremonial or traditional contexts.

Etymologically, partake blends the idea of sharing a part with taking or receiving something, arising in Middle English with influence from Old French and broader Latin roots related to part or portion.

Examples: They partook in the village festival. She partook of the sumptuous dessert. The committee members partook in the discussion. Let us partake of this opportunity.