particle
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for particle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A very small piece or amount of matter.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use particle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin particula, "small part," a diminutive of pars, "part."
Full origin of particle →Frequently asked questions
What does “particle” mean?
The word “particle” means a very small piece or amount of matter. In plain terms, a tiny piece of something — of matter, or (in grammar) a small connecting word.
How do you pronounce “particle”?
“Particle” is pronounced PAH-tihkl (/ˈpɑɹtək(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “particle” in a sentence?
Here is “particle” used in a sentence: “Dust particles floated in the beam of sunlight.”
What part of speech is “particle”?
“Particle” is a noun.
Where does the word “particle” come from?
The word “particle” comes from Latin. From Latin particula, "small part," a diminutive of pars, "part.".
Is “particle” a common word?
“Particle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “particle” have?
“Particle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very small piece or amount of matter.
What is the difference between a particle and a molecule?
A particle is any very small piece or amount of matter, and the word is quite general. A molecule is a specific structure of two or more atoms bonded together, so a molecule can be one kind of particle, but not all particles are molecules.
What is the difference between a particle and an atom in physics?
In physics an atom is a unit of matter made of protons, neutrons, and electrons, while a subatomic particle is a piece of matter smaller than an atom, such as an electron or proton. So particles are among the components that make up atoms.
In grammar, what is the difference between a particle and a preposition?
A grammatical particle is a small word such as 'to' or 'up' that helps form a phrase but carries little meaning on its own. A preposition shows a relationship of place or time and takes an object ('in the box'), whereas a particle in a phrasal verb such as 'give up' is tied to the verb rather than to a following noun.
What words commonly go with 'particle'?
Frequent collocations include 'dust particle,' 'food particle,' 'charged particle,' and 'subatomic particle.' In science writing you also often see 'particles of' something, as in 'particles of dust' or 'particles of sand.'