intransitively

Lacking direct object

In a way that does not take a direct object.

Verbs used intransitively express actions or states without acting upon something else: The bird sang versus The bird sang a song.

Many verbs function both ways depending on context: She runs (intransitive) versus She runs a company (transitive).

state

exist

Have actual being

  • sleepRecurring unconscious repose
  • dieStop being alive
  • lieDeliberate falsehood

dwell · reside · linger · hover · lurk · hibernate · slumber · bask · lounge · idle

occurrence

happen

Come into being

emerge · transpire · unfold · result · follow · develop · materialize · commence · begin · cease

motion

drift

Gradual movement, no direction

  • wanderMove without fixed direction
  • meanderTo travel without direction
  • ambleRelaxed, slow gait

saunter · roam · rove · ramble · stroll · traipse · perambulate · stray · prowl · gallivant

behavior

cower

Shrink back in dread

dawdle · loiter · kneel · jostle · fidget · sneeze · cough · laugh · weep · sigh

Opposites
grammatical transitivity

intransitivelytransitively

Acting upon an object

Phrases
Family

intransitive, intransitives

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Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G