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

Nakayama was found dead in her home, according to the statement that had been translated from Japanese to English via Google Translate.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers note that there are many limitations to mouse models, but making observations from human samples first could increase the likelihood of successfully translating their findings into intervention that can help patients.

From Science Daily

And with the bounty of maps covering the United States, the technique can be scaled up and translated to other regions of interest.

From Science Daily

These energy savings drove growth gains in the model crop, which the current team hoped would translate to increased mass in their food crop.

From Science Daily

"There's considerable interest in finding out how we can we translate these discoveries to an approach that will work in people," he said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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