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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

participation

pah-tihs-ih-PAY-shuhn

Participation (noun) means the act of taking part in something. Example: “Voter participation was higher than usual this election.”

noun
1
The act of taking part in something.
"Voter participation was higher than usual this election."
"The teacher encouraged class participation during discussions."

How to Use Participation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishJoining in or taking part in something, such as an activity, event, or decision.

Common pairings
active participation public participation encourage participation

Word Forms

participations plural

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Test yourself on “participation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Voter _____ was higher than usual this election.

Etymology

From Old French participacion, from Latin participatio, built on the verb participare.

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for participation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “participation” mean?

The word “participation” means the act of taking part in something. In plain terms, joining in or taking part in something, such as an activity, event, or decision.

How do you pronounce “participation”?

“Participation” is pronounced pah-tihs-ih-PAY-shuhn (/pɑɹˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “participation” in a sentence?

Here is “participation” used in a sentence: “Voter participation was higher than usual this election.”

What part of speech is “participation”?

“Participation” is a noun.

Where does the word “participation” come from?

The word “participation” comes from Latin. From Old French participacion, from Latin participatio, built on the verb participare.

Is “participation” a common word?

“Participation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between "participation" and "attendance"?

"Participation" is the act of taking part in something, which implies active involvement or contribution. "Attendance" simply means being present. You can attend a meeting without participating, but participation requires actually joining in.

What is the difference between "participation" and "involvement"?

Both refer to taking part in something, but "participation" usually stresses the active act of joining in a specific activity or event. "Involvement" is broader and can describe a general connection to or interest in something, not just direct action.

What is a "participation trophy"?

A participation trophy is an award given to everyone who takes part in an event, rather than only to the winners. The phrase draws on "participation" meaning the act of taking part, regardless of the result.

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