| intransitive verb |
| Definition: An verb that doesn't have a direct object. Note: As opposed to a transitive verb which has to have a direct object to complete its meaning. |
| Example:
(1) He runs a shop. In the above the verb runs is transitive because it has the direct object shop. (2) His nose runs. Here runs is intransitive because it has no direct object. |
| Etymology: The term derives from the Late Latin transitivus, which literally means "that may pass over (to another person)" (from transire, go or cross over). |
| Oxford English Dictionary: Its first citation is from 1612: "This Verbe Sum es, is a Verbe Substantiue intransitiue, not a transitiue; and therefore will haue such case after it as it hath before it." (Brinsley Lud. Lit. 129) |