transpire

[tran-spahyuhr]

verb (used without object)

transpired, transpiring 

1. to occur; happen; take place.

2. to emit or give off waste matter, watery vapor, etc., through the surface, as of the body or of leaves.

3. to escape, as moisture or odor, through or as if through pores.

4. to be revealed or become known.

verb (used with object)

transpired, transpiring 

1. to emit or give off (waste matter, watery vapor, an odor, etc.) through the surface, as of the body or of leaves.

transpire

/ ˌtrænspəˈreɪʃən, trænˈspaɪə /

verb

1. (intr) to come to light; be known

2. informal,  (intr) to happen or occur

3. physiol to give off or exhale (water or vapour) through the skin, a mucous membrane, etc

4. (of plants) to lose (water in the form of water vapour), esp through the stomata of the leaves

Usage

It is often maintained that transpire should not be used to mean happen or occur, as in the event transpired late in the evening , and that the word is properly used to mean become known, as in it transpired later that the thief had been caught . The word is, however, widely used in the former sense, esp in spoken English

Other Word Forms

• transpiration noun
• transpiratory adjective
• transpirable adjective
• untranspiring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transpire¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Middle French transpirer, from Medieval Latin trānspīrāre, equivalent to Latin trāns- trans- + spīrāre “to breathe”

Word History and Origins

Origin of transpire¹

C16: from Medieval Latin transpīrāre , from Latin _trans- + spīrāre to breathe

Example Sentences

He first addressed what transpired with Colbert and the cancellation of “The Late Show,” alluding to political pressure as the real culprit, before addressing the decision to yank Kimmel’s show.

From Los Angeles Times

He’ll move in place for much of the show, remaining silent as a fantastical life transpires around him — dancers, ornately costumed characters and larger-than-life puppets will surreally reflect the journey of life.

From Los Angeles Times

A cartoon version of Jenny Schecter come to life, what transpires in her novel is close, if not on the nose, to what takes place around her, buffered by changed names and literary exaggerations.

From Salon

It is believed those opportunities did not transpire.

From BBC

It transpired James had suffered an injury against Sweden that will now keep her out of the start of Chelsea's 2025-26 campaign.

From BBC

Related Words

• arise 
• befall 
• ensue