translate

[ trans-leyt, tranz-, trans-leyt, tranz- ]

verb (used with object)

, trans·lat·ed, trans·lat·ing.

1. to turn from one language into another or from a foreign language into one's own:

   to translate Spanish.

2. to change the form, condition, nature, etc., of; transform; convert:

   to translate wishes into deeds.

3. to explain in terms that can be more easily understood; interpret.
4. to bear, carry, or move from one place, position, etc., to another; transfer.
5. Mechanics. to cause (a body) to move without rotation or angular displacement; subject to translation.
6. Computers. to convert (a program, data, code, etc.) from one form to another:

   to translate a FORTRAN program into assembly language.

7. Telegraphy. to retransmit or forward (a message), as by a relay.
8. Ecclesiastical.
   1. to move (a bishop) from one see to another.
   2. to move (a see) from one place to another.
   3. to move (relics) from one place to another.
9. to convey or remove to heaven without natural death.
10. Mathematics. to perform a translation on (a set, function, etc.).
11. to express the value of (a currency) in a foreign currency by applying the exchange rate.
12. to exalt in spiritual or emotional ecstasy; enrapture.

verb (used without object)

, trans·lat·ed, trans·lat·ing.

1. to provide or make a translation; act as translator.
2. to admit of translation:

   The Greek expression does not translate easily into English.

translate

/ trænsˈleɪt; trænz- /

verb

1. to express or be capable of being expressed in another language or dialect

   he translated Shakespeare into Afrikaans

   his books translate well

2. intr to act as translator
3. tr to express or explain in simple or less technical language
4. tr to interpret or infer the significance of (gestures, symbols, etc)
5. tr to transform or convert

   to translate hope into reality

6. tr; usually passive biochem to transform the molecular structure of (messenger RNA) into a polypeptide chain by means of the information stored in the genetic code See also transcribe
7. to move or carry from one place or position to another
8. tr
   1. to transfer (a cleric) from one ecclesiastical office to another
   2. to transfer (a see) from one place to another
9. tr RC Church to transfer (the body or the relics of a saint) from one resting place to another
10. tr theol to transfer (a person) from one place or plane of existence to another, as from earth to heaven
11. maths physics to move (a figure or body) laterally, without rotation, dilation, or angular displacement
12. intr (of an aircraft, missile, etc) to fly or move from one position to another
13. archaic.
    tr to bring to a state of spiritual or emotional ecstasy

Derived Forms

• transˈlatable, adjective
• ˌtranslataˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• trans·lata·ble adjective
• trans·lata·bili·ty trans·lata·ble·ness noun
• half-translat·ed adjective
• inter·trans·lata·ble adjective
• pretrans·late verb (used with object) pretranslated pretranslating
• retrans·late verb (used with object) retranslated retranslating
• untrans·lata·bili·ty noun
• untrans·lata·ble adjective
• untrans·lated adjective
• well-trans·lated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of translate¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English translaten, from Latin trānslātus “borne across,” past participle of trānsferre “to bear across,” from trāns- trans- + ferre “to bear, bring, carry” ( bear ¹ ); for the suppletive element -lātus, earlier tlātus (unrecorded), thole ², tolerate

Word History and Origins

Origin of translate¹

C13: from Latin translātus transferred, carried over, from transferre to transfer

Example Sentences

He began by writing his memoirs, Mr Nice, which became a bestseller, was translated into several languages and made into a film.

From BBC

Süel and his colleagues focused on physiological mechanisms related to ribosomes, the micro machines within cells that play a key role in synthesizing proteins and translating genetic codes.

From Science Daily

More importantly, Lovett lends majestic voice to the rhythms of Beckett’s play, originally written in French but conceived by an Irish imagination and translated by Beckett himself.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the scientist, "This functions like a dial, in which higher activity of the protein translates to less intense red colour."

From Science Daily

The new name for the streets, “Tebti,” is a word and blessing that translates to “the streams that flow together” — a reference to the Sacramento and American rivers, which join in West Sacramento.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convert
• decipher
• put
• render
• spell out
• transcribe
• turn