Verb

Definition

The noun "verb" refers to (1) a word that expresses an action, state, or occurrence; and (2) the part of speech comprising such words.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /vɜːrb/
• Respelling: VURB

British English

• IPA: /vɜːb/
• Respelling: VUB

Etymology

From Latin verbum “word,” via Old French verbe. Entered English in the 14th century to denote action or state words.

Derivatives

• Verbal (adjective)
• Verbatim (adverb)
• Verbiage (noun)
• Verbify (verb, informal)

Synonyms

• Action word
• Predicator

Antonyms

• Noun

Usage

"Verb" appears in grammar discussions. Examples: "They run every morning," and "'She sings a song' uses 'sings' as a verb."

Related Terms

• Conjugation: The inflection of a verb to express tense, mood, etc.
• Predicate: The part of a sentence containing the verb and stating something about the subject.
• Subject: The noun or pronoun performing the action of the verb.
• Auxiliary: A helper verb (e.g., "have," "be," "do").

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A word that expresses an action, state, or occurrence: Functions as the main element of the predicate.
  • Example: "The children played in the park."
• The part of speech comprising action or state words: The grammatical category of verbs.
  • Example: "In 'Birds fly south for winter,' 'fly' is a verb."