impart

im-PART /ɪmˈpɑːrt/
verbC1GRETOEFLIELTS
formalliterary

To make (information) known; to communicate or bestow a quality.

Often used for abstract things like wisdom, knowledge, or a specific flavor, suggesting a generous sharing of something valuable.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'in-' (into) and 'partire' (to divide or share). It literally means to give a part of what you have to someone else.

Word relationships

  • bestow: Bestow is usually for physical gifts or honors; impart is for knowledge or qualities.
  • withhold: Withhold means to keep information or a quality to oneself.

Collocations

  • impart wisdom
  • impart knowledge
  • impart a sense of

Example sentences

  • "To impart knowledge is to light a fire that never goes out." The value of education.

Memory hook

When you impart, you give a 'PART' of your knowledge to someone else. Sharing a part of wisdom.

When not to use

Don't use it for trivial information like 'imparting the time'; use 'tell' or 'say' instead.

Fun facts

  • In cooking, a spice can 'impart' a flavor to a dish, just as a teacher 'imparts' knowledge to a student.

Related words

facilitate, instill

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