What does transpire mean?
Transpire is a formal verb meaning that something happens or occurs, often with the implication that the event unfolds gradually or produces consequences. It is commonly used in reporting, legal writing, and formal descriptions of events: what transpires during a meeting, investigation, or period of negotiation may remain partly unknown until later. Transpire can also refer to the passage of time, as when a season or long period transpires, and, in more literary usage, it can mean that information becomes known. A separate formal sense is to sweat or perspire. Compared with happen, transpire is more formal and can suggest an unfolding process rather than a single occurrence. Its distinctive history comes from Latin transpirare, literally 'to breathe through' or 'to sweat through,' which connects the word with the physical process of perspiration.
To happen or occur, especially as an event or process unfolds over time; to pass or elapse.
"The full consequences of the decision transpire over the following months."
Formal; often used when an event unfolds gradually or its details become apparent later.
To become known or come to light.
"What actually transpired during the closed meeting remains unclear."
A more restricted formal use, especially in legal, journalistic, and narrative contexts.
To sweat or perspire.
"The runners continued to transpire in the intense afternoon heat."
Literary and relatively uncommon in modern everyday English.
Transpire originally meant to breathe or sweat through: its Latin roots literally describe something passing through the body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does transpire come from?
The word comes from Latin transpirare, formed from trans- meaning 'across' or 'through' and spirare meaning 'to breathe.' In Latin, the verb could refer to breathing through and also to sweating. English borrowed it in the late Middle English period, initially with meanings connected with perspiration and later developing the formal sense of happening or occurring. It shares the Latin root spirare with words such as inspire, expire, and respire.
Related word forms
How transpire is actually used
In its most common sense, transpire has a formal tone and often suggests an event or situation unfolding over time. The senses meaning 'become known' and 'sweat' are more restricted and literary or formal; in ordinary usage, 'happen' is usually more natural.