Part Names a Piece and Also a Separation
A part is a portion of a whole. As a verb it means to divide or to leave.
A part is a portion of a whole, a role in a play, or a share in something; as a verb it means to divide or to separate. Latin *pars* sits behind a surprisingly large family: *particle* and *parcel* are its diminutives, *partner* and *portion* share it, *depart* means to divide away, and *apart* means to one side. Even *apartment* belongs, being a set of rooms set apart. The theatrical sense comes from the actor's portion of the script, written out separately before whole scripts were printed.
- A portion. *A part of the total.*
- A role. *She played the part.*
- A component. *Spare parts.*
- To separate. *Parting company.*
- Latin — *pars*, a part. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | part | A part. |
| Verb | part | Parting. |
| Adjective | partial | Partial. |
| Related | particle | A particle. |
| Latin | pars | A part. |
- It is part of the plan.Portion.
- He played the leading part.Role.
- They parted at the station.Verb.
The pars family
- Particle — a very small part
- Parcel — a little part, then a wrapped bundle
- Partner — one who shares a part
- Depart — to divide away, to leave
- Apartment — rooms set apart
Old English, reinforced by Old French *part*, from Latin *pars*, a part or share.
Why is an actor's role called a part?
Because actors were given only their own portion of the script, copied out separately, before full scripts were printed for everyone.
Is apartment related to part?
Yes. It means a set of rooms set apart from the rest of a building.