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View synonyms for translate

translate

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

verb (used with object)

translated, translating 
  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)

translated, translating 
  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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • translatable adjective
  • translatability noun
  • translatableness noun
  • half-translated adjective
  • intertranslatable adjective
  • pretranslate verb (used with object)
  • retranslate verb (used with object)
  • untranslatability noun
  • untranslatable adjective
  • untranslated adjective
  • well-translated adjective
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of translate1

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of Brooks’ persistent themes is that laypersons can’t grasp the difficulty of translating technological concepts into reality — that some problems are far more difficult to solve than their promoters admit.

While mochilas are gaining international recognition, that doesn't always translate into higher sales for every business.

From BBC

“Being able to have this background story of two women being raised, and then translated over into my life with my mom was just so special.”

“I said I didn’t give them anything. I merely translated them for people.”

When asked if they would like a little more time to catch their breath in between releases, Keeho pauses to translate after which quirky singer and dancer Soul deadpans, “Yes!” dissolving them into giggles.

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translatabletranslation