transpire
/trænˈspaɪə(r)/- 1.
To happen or occur, especially when the result is not immediately known. This is formal and often used in writing.
- What transpired after the meeting?
- Few details transpired during the investigation.
- It transpired that he had already left.
- 2.
To become known or revealed, often after some time. This use is also formal.
- The truth eventually transpired.
- Nothing transpired until the documents were released.
- It transpired that the report was incomplete.
- 3.
In older scientific or literary use, to pass off as vapour or moisture from a surface.
- Plants transpire through their leaves.
- Water transpired from the warm soil.
- The leaves transpire more in sunlight.
Adinary Nuance
Use transpire when you want a formal word for “happen” or “become known.” It is not the same as occur, which is more neutral, or happen, which is more common in everyday speech. In modern English, many speakers avoid transpire in casual talk because it can sound stiff or old-fashioned.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- xảy ra
- Spanish
- ocurrir
- Chinese
- 发生
- Japanese
- 起こる
- Korean
- 일어나다
Etymology
It comes from Latin transpirare, from trans- meaning “through” and spirare meaning “breathe.” The older meaning was “give off vapour,” and the modern formal meanings developed later in English.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is transpire formal or informal?
- It is formal. In everyday speech, people usually say happen or occur.
- Can I use transpire in academic writing?
- Yes. It works well in formal reports and academic writing, especially for events or findings.
- Does transpire mean the same as happen?
- Yes, but transpire is more formal and often suggests the facts became clear later.
- Can transpire mean sweat or breathe out water?
- Yes, but that is an older scientific meaning. It is not the common modern use.