transition
tran-ZIH-shuhn
Transition (noun) means a change from one state, form, or place to another. Example: “The transition to remote work happened almost overnight.”
noun
1
A change from one state, form, or place to another.
"The transition to remote work happened almost overnight."
"She managed the transition between jobs smoothly."
"Moving from primary to secondary school can be a difficult transition for some children."
verb
1
To change from one state or condition to another.
"The company is transitioning to renewable energy."
"Tadpoles transition into frogs over several weeks as their legs grow."
"After the holidays, it can be hard to transition back into a normal routine."
How to use transition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving from one stage, state, or situation to another.
Common pairings
smooth transition
transition period
transition to
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Word forms
- Plural
- transitions
- Third person singular
- transitions
- Past tense
- transitioned
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The _____ to remote work happened almost overnight.
Etymology
From Middle French "transition," from Latin "transitio," built from "transit" plus "-ion."
Related words
Rhymes for transition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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