What does transitively mean?
Transitively is an adverb describing transitivity, the grammatical property of a verb that takes a direct object. For example, in “She approved the proposal,” the verb “approved” is used transitively because the noun phrase “the proposal” receives the action. If no object follows, as in “She approved,” the verb is used intransitively. The word is especially common in grammar lessons, linguistic analysis, and editorial explanations, where it allows writers to distinguish a verb’s grammatical behavior precisely. It can also describe transitive relationships in logic and mathematics, where a condition or connection is passed from one element to another through intermediate steps. Although “transitively” may sound elaborate, it expresses a useful distinction that ordinary conversation often leaves implicit. It belongs chiefly to formal and educational registers, but understanding it helps readers recognize why adding or removing an object can change a sentence’s structure and meaning.
adverbIn a transitive manner; in grammar, indicating that a verb takes a direct object. The term can also describe the way in which a transitive relation operates.
- As a grammatical adverb: in a transitive manner, with a direct object.
- In descriptions of relations or operations: in a way that carries an action or relationship from one element to another through intermediate elements.
"The editor revised the sentence so that the verb appeared transitively, with the proposal as its direct object."
"Although *lie* can be used transitively in some constructions, it is usually used intransitively in this sentence."
"The relation holds transitively: if one value is greater than another and the second is greater than a third, the first is greater than the third."
Transitively is the grammatical badge that says, “This verb needs an object”—without that object, the sentence can lose its destination.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does transitively come from?
English borrowed the adjective transitive from Latin transitīvus, a word associated with transitus, “a passing,” and the verb transire, “to pass across.” The Latin family includes English relatives such as transit, transition, and transitory. The adverb transitively was formed in English by adding the suffix -ly to transitive, preserving the meaning “in a transitive manner.”
Related word forms
How transitively is actually used
Transitively is primarily a technical term used in grammar, linguistics, logic, and editorial discussion. It is formal and specialized compared with the plainer phrase “with a direct object.”
Easily confused with transitively
A verb used transitively takes a direct object, whereas one used intransitively does not require one.
The spelling indicates that an action or relationship proceeds from one point to another, while the adverb describes grammatical transitivity.