Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
part
/pɐːt/
When used as a noun to mean a piece of something, "part" is usually countable (e.g., "three parts"). However, when referring to a portion or role in a general sense, it can sometimes function as an uncountable concept. As a verb meaning 'to separate', remember that "parting ways" is a common way to describe two people ending a relationship or simply saying goodbye after a meeting.
💬Casual Conversation
The life support is glitching. I'm missing one tiny part to fix it.
Typical. My heart is also missing a part since I left Earth.
Meanings
A piece or segment of something larger; a constituent element.
"The engine is made up of many small parts."
A role played by an actor in a play, movie, or television show.
"She landed the lead part in the Broadway musical."
Examples
Wait, I think a part of the handle just snapped off!
I can't believe he actually got the lead part over me!
Just part it on the left today, okay? Trust me.
Look, we just have to part ways now. It's over.
Which part of the engine is actually making that noise?
I'll take the small part in the background, no problem.
Stop! Don't let them part us up at security!
I only played a tiny part in that whole disaster.
Collocations & Compounds
spare part
An extra piece of equipment available for replacement if the original breaks.
part ways
To end a relationship or separate from someone and go in different directions.
lead part
The most important acting role in a production.
part and parcel
An essential or unavoidable piece of an experience.
integral part
A constituent element that is necessary for completeness.
Phrasal Verbs
part with
To give up possession of something, often reluctantly.
Idioms & Sayings
part and parcel
An essential or integral component of something.
for the most part
Mainly; in most cases.
part ways
To end a relationship or go in different directions.
take part in
To participate in an activity.
a parting shot
A final insulting or critical remark made just before leaving.
Cultural Context
One of the most enduring images in human history is the biblical account of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, specifically the moment they part the waters of the Red Sea. This narrative transcends mere religious scripture; it has become a universal symbol of liberation, divine intervention, and the impossible becoming possible. For millennia, this story has served as a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian identity, representing the definitive break from slavery toward a promised land.
From a theological perspective, the act to part the sea is seen as a manifestation of omnipotence—a sign that the laws of nature are subordinate to a higher will. However, historians and scientists have spent centuries attempting to find a naturalistic explanation for this phenomenon. Some researchers suggest a rare meteorological event known as 'wind setdown,' where strong, sustained winds can push water aside in shallow coastal areas, creating a temporary land bridge. This intersection of faith and fluid dynamics highlights the human desire to reconcile the miraculous with the empirical.
Beyond the physical act, the psychological weight of this event is profound. The parting represents more than just a geographical crossing; it is an emotional transition. To part from one's past—especially a past defined by bondage—requires immense courage and faith. In literature and art, this scene is often depicted with towering walls of water, emphasizing the fragility of the human condition in the face of nature's raw power.
Whether viewed as a literal historical event or a powerful allegory for freedom, the story remains a masterclass in narrative tension. The moment the waters close behind the Israelites, sealing their fate and ensuring their safety from pursuit, marks one of the most dramatic 'parting' sequences in all of human storytelling, reminding us that sometimes, the only way forward is through a path that seems nonexistent until the very moment it opens.