definitions

transliterate

[ trans-lit-uh-reyt, tranz- ]
/ trænsˈlɪt əˌreɪt, trænz- /
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verb (used with object), trans·lit·er·at·ed, trans·lit·er·at·ing.

to change (letters, words, etc.) into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language: to transliterate the Greek Χ as ch.

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RELATED WORDS

reproduce, deliver, interpret, translate, rewrite, duplicate, decipher, reprint, convert, transcribe, render, put, turn, resolve, transpose, state, reword, pass, restate, paraphrase

Nearby words

translation, translation dictionary, translation of axes, translative, translator, transliterate, translocate, translocation, translocation down syndrome, translucent, translucid

Origin of transliterate

1860–65; trans- + Latin līter(a) letter1 + -ate1

Related forms

trans·lit·er·a·tion, nountrans·lit·er·a·tor, noun

Can be confused

translate transliterate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for transliterate

  • The 114 author is apparently unable to transliterate properly the Old English names.

    The Translations of Beowulf|Chauncey Brewster Tinker

British Dictionary definitions for transliterate

transliterate

/ (trænzˈlɪtəˌreɪt) /

verb

(tr) to transcribe (a word, etc, in one alphabet) into corresponding letters of another alphabetthe Greek word λογοσ can be transliterated as ``logos''

Derived Forms

transliteration, nountransliterator, noun

Word Origin for transliterate

C19: trans- + -literate, from Latin līttera letter
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