verb

transpire

To happen or take place.

Nobody knows what transpires behind the company's closed doors.

Etymology

Transpire moved from breathing through to becoming known or coming to light. The sense of happening developed from references to events that had become known.

More examples

  • She describes what transpired during the meeting.
  • We wait to see what will transpire next.
  • Strange events are transpiring in the quiet town.

Forms

transpire · transpires · transpired · transpiring

Similar words

happen
The everyday choice; transpire sounds more formal or literary.
occur
Common in factual reporting; transpire often describes unfolding events.