rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: trans-
Latin

trans-

across, beyond; from one side to another

Forms

  • trans-
  • tra- — Shortened in some Latin compounds.
  • tres- — A later French development in some borrowings.

Origin

Connected with reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *terh₂-, ‘cross; pass through.’

Note

Crossing a boundary can become a metaphor for changing a condition or category.

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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.