WordGarden.iotrans
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /trænz/not-comparableadjective
US
- /ˈtrænz/
Meanings
Adjective
transgender; relating to trans people or identities
in chemistry, having groups on opposite sides of a bond or ring
Noun
(informal)a transgender person
a vehicle transmission, especially in a car or truck
Other
a combining form meaning across, beyond, or on the other side of
Beyond the definition
"Trans" is a prefix meaning "across," "beyond," or "through." You see it in words like "transport" (to carry across), "transcend" (to go beyond limits), and "transatlantic" (across the Atlantic). It is also often used as a short form of "transgender," describing people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Knowing this meaning helps you use the word clearly and respectfully.
For example, you might hear "a trans artist" or "trans rights are human rights." In this sense, "trans" is usually used as an adjective before a noun, as in "trans woman" or "trans man." It is best to respect the words a person uses for their own identity.
The prefix "trans" comes from Latin and basically means "across," "through," or "beyond." In English, it appears in many words that suggest crossing, passing, changing, or going from one side or state to another. For example, "transmit" means to send across, "transpose" means to move or switch position, and "transatlantic" means across the Atlantic Ocean.
The word is also widely used as a short form of "transgender." In this meaning, it is usually an adjective describing people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, "a trans man" is a man who was assigned female at birth, and "a trans woman" is a woman who was assigned male at birth.
This use is important in everyday language, especially when talking about identity, rights, healthcare, and social issues. "Trans" is commonly used in phrases like "trans student," "trans community," and "trans rights." It is generally best used as an adjective rather than as a standalone noun, because that usually sounds more natural and respectful in modern English.
In some contexts, "trans" can also be used in a broader way to include a range of gender experiences under the transgender umbrella. Still, meaning depends on context: in one sentence it may be a Latin-based prefix, and in another it may refer to gender identity.
So, "trans" has two main uses to know. One is the older prefix meaning "across," "through," or "beyond." The other is the modern short form of "transgender," used in clear and respectful descriptions of identity.
Examples
- 1
Family support
My brother is trans, and our family supports him.
- 2
Personal identity
She spoke about her experience as a trans woman.
- 3
Workplace benefits
The company added better health coverage for trans employees.
- 4
Coming out
He came out as trans when he was twenty.
- Patterncome out as + identity
tell people openly that this is part of who you are
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Film casting
The film was praised for casting trans actors in trans roles.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- cisgender
Used with (collocations)
- trans person
- trans woman
- trans man
- trans rights
Explore
- gender identity
- nonbinary
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- trans