-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

364 / 371

noun

translation

tranz-LAY-shun/trænzˈleɪʃn/

The expression of meaning in a different language or representation.

The paired cards show the Spanish translation of apple as manzana.

Two small matching cards are laid side by side, each bearing the same simple hand-drawn red apple.

Etymology

transLatinacross, beyond; from one side to another

+latLatinbear, carry, bring

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The underlying image is carrying something across: meaning is moved from one language into another. The Latin noun already joined physical transport with the transfer of meaning.

In context

The Seshew6:47

source language and bring it over into a target language you have to make those adjustments an order for it to make sense in the target language so that's what translation is all about

Egyptian Hieroglyphic - Transliteration & Translation 7-3-18

More examples

Several translations of the novel are available at the library.
The translation of survey results into charts makes patterns clearer.
During translation, ribosomes use genetic instructions to build proteins.

Forms

translation · translations

translate verb — Express meaning in another language or form.

translator noun — Someone who renders meaning in another language.

Similar words

rendering: Emphasizes a particular version, often with individual stylistic choices.
interpretation: Often refers to spoken translation or explaining what something means.
conversion: Emphasizes changing form or format rather than conveying meaning.