part
gb/pˈɑɹt/ us/pˈɑɹt/
A2
English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
A piece or section of something
One piece of something bigger.
Usage pattern:
a part of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'part' with 'piece', but 'part' often suggests a functional role within a whole.
Synonyms
piece (More general; can refer to any fragment or portion regardless of function.)
Antonyms
whole (Refers to the complete thing rather than a portion.)
Collocations
spare part
|moving part
|part of the problem
|integral part
|body part
Themes
daily life
|objects
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This part of the car needs to be replaced.
- She lives in a quiet part of the city.
- The front part of the book is missing.
- We spent most of the day in the old part of town.
Learner examples
- I lost a part of my phone.
- This is my favorite part of the park.
- The last part of the movie is exciting.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Role in a play or film
The role an actor plays in a show or movie.
Usage pattern:
play the part of [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'part' with 'scene'; 'part' refers to a role, not a moment in the script.
Synonyms
role (Almost identical in meaning; 'role' is slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
audience member (Refers to someone watching rather than performing.)
Collocations
leading part
|supporting part
|play a part
|cast for the part
Themes
arts
|entertainment
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She got the leading part in the school play.
- He played the part of Hamlet brilliantly.
- They offered him a small part in the film.
Learner examples
- I have a small part in the play.
- She plays the part of a doctor.
- He got the main part in the movie.
Noun
B1
relation
3
Contribution to an outcome
The help or work someone gives to make something happen.
Usage pattern:
have a part in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'part' when 'reason' or 'cause' would be clearer for explaining events.
Synonyms
contribution (Focuses on what is given or done toward a shared result.)
Antonyms
irrelevance (Indicates having no influence or connection to an event.)
Collocations
play a part in
|important part
|minor part
Themes
relationships
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She played an important part in the success of the project.
- Lack of sleep was a big part of why he got sick.
- We all had a part in making this happen.
Learner examples
- I had a big part in the game.
- He played a part in our win.
- She has no part in this plan.
Verb
B2
action
4
To separate or move apart
To move away from someone or something; to separate.
Usage pattern:
part [something] / part from [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'part' as a verb with 'leave', but 'part' implies mutual separation or moving aside.
Synonyms
separate (More general; can apply to physical or abstract division.)
Antonyms
unite (To bring together into one whole.)
Collocations
part ways
|hair parted
|part company
Themes
movement
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They parted ways after college.
- She parted her hair down the middle.
- The curtains parted to reveal the stage.
Learner examples
- We parted at the train station.
- I parted my hair to the side.
- They parted after the meeting.
Grammar
Dictionary form
part
IPA
GB/pˈɑɹt/
US/pˈɑɹt/
Syllables & stress
part (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (part)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: part
- Plural: part, parts
Verb
- Base: part
- 3rd Person Singular: parts
- Present Participle: parting
- Past: parted
Word family
Forms
parts
noun
parting
verb
parted
verb
Core family
partly
adverb A2
part-time
adjective A2
partial
adjective B1
participate
verb B1
participant
noun A2
participation
noun B1
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
impartial
adjective B2
Expressions
for my part
1/fɚ mˈaɪ pˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
From my own point of view
Used to show what you think or do, especially when it may be different from others.
Examples
- For my part, I think we should wait before deciding.
- For my part, I’ve always enjoyed working here.
in part
1/ˈɪn pˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
Partly; not completely but to some extent
Not completely; only partly true or done.
Examples
- His success was due in part to his supportive family.
- The delay was caused in part by bad weather.
part ways
1/pˈɑɹt wˈeɪz/
fixed phrase
To go in different directions or end association
To leave each other and not stay together, either physically or in work/ideas.
Examples
- After five years, the band decided to part ways.
- We parted ways at the crossroads and headed home separately.
play a part
1/plˈeɪ ə pˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
To contribute to something happening
To help make something happen, often with others doing things too.
Examples
- Good communication plays a part in any successful relationship.
- Exercise plays a big part in staying healthy.
take part in
6/tˈeɪk pˈɑɹt ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
Join an activity with others
To join an activity with other people.
Examples
- Many students will take part in the competition.
- Many students took part in the science fair.
- She rarely takes part in meetings.
- She refused to take part in the illegal scheme.