part
A part
Which part of the movie did you like, the first part or the last part? In which part of the country do you live? Do you live in the southern part or the northern part? A big part of the test focuses on English. This is the easy part. The last part is difficult. One part of our state will get a lot of snow today while the other part will remain dry. At our meeting, we spent part of the time talking about expanding our business. Jonah has worked in many different parts of the company. When my friend, Sheila, won the lottery, she donated part of the money to charity. When people receive a paycheck, part of the money they earn goes to pay taxes. One part of our RV converts to a sleeping area.
The word "part" is also used for a person’s role, participation, or responsibility:
You have an important part to play in a young person’s life. (part to play = responsibility) What part did Edgar play in getting the job done? Sandra refuses to do her part in cleaning up the apartment. She really has to do her part. Tony doesn’t not want to take part in any form of violence. (take part = participate) Kevin got a part in a play. (part in a play = He has a role as an actor.) He has to rehearse his part and commit it to memory.
When the word "part" is used as a verb, it means to separate or leave:
Joseph and Maria parted ways once they realized they really didn’t have much in common. It’s hard to part with things that remind you of your childhood. (part = give up) Jerry parts his hair with a comb. (He forms a clearly defined section of hair.) Moses parted the Red Sea. (Exodus 14:21)
The word "partly" is an adverb:
Today it’s partly cloudy. (It’s a little cloudy.) Tomorrow will be partly sunny. (There will be a little sun, but most of the day will be cloudy.) Marie is partly unhappy with her husband for not doing what he said he would do for her. All of this mess is partly my fault. Other people are partly to blame.
Go to the Word of the Day
November 16, 2018
