transition
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for transition, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A change from one state, form, or place to another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use transition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French "transition," from Latin "transitio," built from "transit" plus "-ion."
Full origin of transition →Frequently asked questions
What does “transition” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “transition”?
“Transition” is pronounced tran-ZIH-shuhn (/tɹænˈzɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “transition” in a sentence?
Here is “transition” used in a sentence: “The transition to remote work happened almost overnight.”
What part of speech is “transition”?
Depending on how it is used, “transition” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “transition” come from?
The word “transition” comes from Latin. From Middle French "transition," from Latin "transitio," built from "transit" plus "-ion.".
Is “transition” a common word?
“Transition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “transition” have?
“Transition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a change from one state, form, or place to another.
What is the difference between transition and transformation?
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.
What is the difference between transition and change?
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.
What are some examples of transitions?
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.
What are the types of transitions?
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.