verb

transcribe

tran-SKRYB

Transcribe (verb) means to write out in full what is said in speech or on a recording. Example: “It took her four hours to transcribe the interview.”

verb

To write out in full what is said in speech or on a recording.

"It took her four hours to transcribe the interview."

"The software transcribes meetings automatically."

To copy something out in written form, or to convert it into another script or notation.

"The monks transcribed the manuscripts by hand."

"Arabic names are transcribed into the Latin alphabet in several competing ways."

In biology, to produce a strand of RNA using a strand of DNA as the template.

"The gene is transcribed into messenger RNA before it can be translated into protein."

To arrange a piece of music for a different instrument or voice from the one it was written for.

"He transcribed the cello suites for guitar."

How to Use Transcribe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo write down word for word what someone said or what is recorded.

When to use it

Neutral. The noun is transcription and the written result is a transcript.

Memory tip

Transcribing keeps the same language and only changes the medium from sound to text; translating changes the language.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

translate → transliterate transcript →

Common pairings

transcribe an interview transcribe a recording automatically transcribed transcribe DNA

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It took her four hours to _____ the interview.

Etymology

From Latin transcribere, from trans- 'across' and scribere 'to write'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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write out take down type up copy out transliterate render arrange adapt

Related Words

give level return picture kill draw reserve prepare

Rhymes for transcribe

vibe tribe bribe imbibe scribe describe prescribe subscribe unsubscribe

See all rhymes for transcribe →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between transcribe and translate?

Transcribing converts speech or one written form into another written form in the same language — for example turning an audio recording into text. Translating converts meaning from one language into another. A recorded Spanish interview can be transcribed into Spanish text and then translated into English.

What is the difference between transcribe and transliterate?

Transliteration swaps the letters of one script for those of another, letter by letter, without regard to how the word sounds to a native speaker. Transcription aims to represent the actual sounds. Both are used for names moving between alphabets, which is why one name can appear in several spellings.

What does transcription mean in biology?

It is the first step of gene expression, in which an enzyme reads a stretch of DNA and builds a matching strand of messenger RNA. That RNA is then translated into a protein, so biology reuses both words in a way that parallels their ordinary meanings.

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