Transition — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /tran(t)-ˈsi-shən/ tran·si·tion

Meaning & Definition of Transition

Transition (noun)

  1. a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another
  2. a period or phase in which such a change or shift is happening
  3. something that links one state, subject, place, etc. to another, a connecting part or piece

Transition (verb)

  1. to make a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another, to make a transition
  2. to cause (something or someone) to change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another
  3. to come to live in accordance with one's gender identity through a process that involves changes to one's appearance and presentation often with the aid of medical procedures and therapies

Transition (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a change from one state or condition to another

    "We want to have a smooth transition when the new owners take control of the company."

    "the sometimes difficult transition from childhood to adulthood"

    "The country made a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."

    similar: shift, changeover, conversion, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation, adjustment, alteration, modification, reconstruction, reconversion, redo, redoing, refashioning, reformation, remaking, remodeling, revamping, revision, reworking, variation, deformation, disfigurement, distortion, mutation, transmutation, displacement, replacement, substitution, supplantation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Transition

The most common words with a similar meaning to Transition:

shift, changeover, conversion, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation, adjustment, alteration, modification, reconstruction, reconversion, redo, redoing, refashioning, reformation, remaking, remodeling, revamping, revision, reworking, variation, deformation, disfigurement, distortion, mutation, transmutation, displacement, replacement, substitution, supplantation

Word Forms of Transition

Inflections: transitions, transitioned, transitioning

Origin & Etymology of Transition

Latin transition-, transitio, from transire

First known use: 1545

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Transition

Words & Phrases Containing Transition

transition metal, gender transition, in transition

Frequently Asked Questions about Transition

What does "Transition" mean?

"Transition" means a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another.

What is another word for "Transition"?

Other words for "Transition" include shift, changeover, conversion, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation, adjustment and alteration. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Transition" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Transition"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Transition". Common alternatives include shift, changeover, conversion, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation, adjustment, alteration, modification and reconstruction.

How do you use "Transition" in a sentence?

Examples of "Transition" in a sentence: "We want to have a smooth transition when the new owners take control of the company."; "the sometimes difficult transition from childhood to adulthood"; "The country made a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.".

Is "Transition" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Transition" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Transition" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Transition" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Transition"?

"Transition" is pronounced /tran(t)-ˈsi-shən/ and divided into syllables as tran·si·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Transition"?

"Transition" comes from Latin transition-, transitio, from transire. First known use: 1545.