WordGarden.iotransition
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /trænsˈɪʃən/
US
- /trænˈzɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the process or period of changing from one state, stage, or system to another
a person's process of beginning to live as a different gender
a word, phrase, or passage that links one topic or section to the next
More meaningsFewer meanings
a visual change that moves from one scene, shot, or slide to another
Verb
to change or move from one state, role, or system to another
Beyond the definition
Just like water changes from ice to steam, things often go through a transition—a process of shifting from one form, stage, or condition to another. It's not just about the end result, but the journey between states. A caterpillar doesn't instantly become a butterfly; it goes through a transition called metamorphosis!
Transitions can be big and dramatic, like graduating from college, or small and subtle, like the change in light as evening approaches. Sometimes transitions are easy, and sometimes they're difficult, but they're always a part of life. You might experience a transition period when starting a new job—a time to adjust, find your footing, and learn the ropes.
The word transition refers to a process or a period of changing from one state, stage, place, or condition to another. It's more than just a simple change; it emphasizes the movement between two points. Think of a musical piece—a transition might be a bridge between verses, smoothly connecting different melodies and moods to keep the song flowing.
Transitions are everywhere! In nature, seasons undergo transitions from summer to fall and from winter to spring. In life, we experience major shifts such as the passage from childhood to adolescence, singlehood to marriage, or employment to retirement. These can be planned, like moving to a new city, or unexpected, like a sudden career change.
The word is often used in contexts involving significant societal or personal adjustment. A political transition might refer to the handover of power after an election. An energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources. A person undergoing a gender transition is navigating a profound personal journey of alignment. The term also implies a period of adaptation—a transition phase where things aren't quite settled yet. Ultimately, whether it's the changing of seasons or a life-altering event, transition describes the process of getting from here to there—the journey itself and the adjustments made along the way.
Examples
- 1
School change
The transition from high school to college can be stressful.
- 2
Discussion structure
We want a smooth transition between the introduction and the main discussion.
- 3
Company change
The company is still in transition after the merger.
- Phrasein transition
going through a period of change
- 4
Writing link
Add a transition at the end of this paragraph so the next idea feels connected.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Work arrangement
Many workers had to transition from office jobs to remote work.
- Patterntransition from X to Y
change from one state or situation to another
- 6
Career role
She transitioned into a leadership role much faster than anyone expected.
- Patterntransition into + role/stage/state
move into a new role, stage, or state
- 7
Energy policy
The city is trying to transition away from coal and invest more in clean energy.
- Patterntransition away from X
gradually stop depending on X
- 8
Gender identity
After years of thinking about it, he decided to transition and live openly as a man.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- smooth transition
- period of transition
- transition from one stage to another
- transition period
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- transitionnounverb
Forms
- transitionspluralnounverb
- transitioning-ing formverbnoun
- transitionedpast tenseverbnoun