transpired: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “transpired” mean?
To become known.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To become known; to come to light (originally: to give off vapour or moisture).
To happen, occur, or take place (though often considered incorrect or overly formal in this sense).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The disputed use meaning 'happened' is found in both varieties but is perhaps slightly more common and accepted in American English.
Connotations
Using it to mean 'happened' often gives an air of false formality or pomposity. The 'became known' sense is unobjectionable.
Frequency
More frequent in written contexts than in casual speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “transpired” in a Sentence
It transpired that + clauseWhat transpired was...Something transpiredNothing transpiredVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transpired” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It transpired he had left the company weeks earlier.
- Despite the rumours, a wedding never transpired.
American English
- It transpired she had already submitted her resignation.
- The hoped-for investment failed to transpire.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports: 'It transpired during the audit that funds were missing.'
Academic
Used in historical or analytical writing: 'It later transpired that the data had been flawed.'
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. If used, often for dramatic effect: 'So, what transpired at the meeting?'
Technical
Rare. Its original botanical/physiological sense ('to give off water vapour') is technical.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transpired”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transpired”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transpired”
- Using 'transpired' as a fancy word for 'happened' in contexts where precision is needed.
- Incorrect: 'The meeting transpired at 3 PM.' (Correct: 'The meeting occurred/took place at 3 PM.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is often criticised as pretentious or imprecise. In formal writing, prefer 'occurred', 'took place', or 'happened'. Its primary recommended meaning is 'became known'.
Yes. It is more common in written English (news, reports, literature) than in everyday conversation.
'It transpired that + clause' (e.g., It transpired that they were related). This pattern almost always carries the 'became known' meaning.
From Latin 'transspirare' (to breathe through), via French. Its original meaning was physiological/botanical (to give off vapour). The 'become known' sense developed via the idea of something leaking out or becoming apparent.
To become known.
Transpired: in British English it is pronounced /trænˈspaɪəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænˈspaɪɚd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically for 'transpired'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a secret being revealed causing a collective 'Aha!' – the truth has TRANSpired, passing from hidden to known.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A REVEALED OBJECT (It came to light).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST accurate and accepted use of 'transpired'?