transition

The word “transition” means a change from one state, form, or place to another. In plain terms, moving from one stage, state, or situation to another.

“Transition” is pronounced tran-ZIH-shuhn (/tɹænˈzɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “transition” used in a sentence: “The transition to remote work happened almost overnight.”

Depending on how it is used, “transition” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “transition” comes from Latin. From Middle French "transition," from Latin "transitio," built from "transit" plus "-ion.".

“Transition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Transition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a change from one state, form, or place to another.

A transition is the process of changing from one state or place to another, with the emphasis on the passage between them. A transformation is a more dramatic, thorough change in nature or appearance, with the end result being markedly different. Transition is the journey; transformation is a striking change in what something is.

Change is any difference from before to after, sudden or gradual. Transition is a particular kind of change: the gradual process of moving between two states, forms, or places. Every transition is a change, but transition stresses the in-between phase, the shift itself, rather than just the end result.

Everyday transitions include moving from school to work, changing careers, relocating to a new city, or the shift from one season to the next. In writing, transitions are words that link ideas; in film and music, they smooth the move between scenes or sections. Each marks a passage from one state to another.

The word applies across fields. Life transitions cover major personal changes such as marriage or retirement. In writing, transitions are linking words like 'however' and 'therefore'. In video and slideshows, they are effects between clips or slides. Physics even speaks of phase transitions, like water freezing into ice.