transpire

/trænˈspaɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [trænspˈaɪɚ] /trænˈspaɪər/ (ame, ipa) · [trænspˈaɪɚ] /tran(t)-ˈspī(-ə)r How to pronounce transpire (audio)/ (ame, mw)

transpire — verb

  • transpirepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • transpireshe / she / it
  • transpiredpast simple
  • transpiring-ing form

1. when later evidence shows that a fact is true or that an event really happened,

1.動詞不及物C2
釋義

when later evidence shows that a fact is true or that an event really happened, the information is no longer hidden or doubtful.

例句

It transpired that Élise had sent the email to the wrong client.

it transpired that + clause for a newly discovered fact

Only later did it transpire that Tunde had hidden one invoice.

inverted adverbial opening; delayed discovery

同義詞
  • come out

    more everyday and often more direct or dramatic

  • emerge

    slightly more analytical; suggests details appear gradually

  • be revealed

    neutral formal phrasing that focuses on disclosure

反義詞

文法句型

it transpires that + clause

it later transpired that + clause

用法筆記

Almost always used in patterns such as 'it transpired that ...', where the clause states the fact that comes out later. Distinguish from sense 2, which simply describes an event happening.

常見錯誤

❌The report transpired the manager had lied.
✅It transpired that the manager had lied.
💡this sense normally uses 'it transpired that ...' to introduce the fact that became known.
❌The concert transpired at eight o'clock.
✅The concert took place at eight o'clock.
💡use a different pattern when you mean an event happened rather than a hidden fact was revealed.

2. to happen or unfold, especially in formal storytelling, official reports, or lit

2.動詞不及物C2
釋義

to happen or unfold, especially in formal storytelling, official reports, or literary descriptions of events.

例句

What transpired after the mayor stepped onto the stage stunned everyone.

what transpired + following event

Several strange events transpired while the train was stuck outside Hsinchu.

plural event subject in a reported situation

同義詞
  • happen

    the everyday choice for almost any event

  • occur

    formal like 'transpire', but more common in technical or official writing

  • take place

    preferred for planned or organised events

文法句型

what transpired + clause

something transpired during + event

something transpired between + people

用法筆記

Common in formal reports or storytelling about what happened in a situation. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense names the event itself, not a fact that becomes known later.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting transpired that we needed more staff.
✅It transpired that we needed more staff.
💡the that-clause pattern belongs to sense 1, not to the simple 'happen' meaning.
❌My dentist visit transpired at ten.
✅My dentist visit was at ten.' / 'My appointment took place at ten.
💡'transpire' sounds too formal or odd for ordinary scheduled activities.

3. of a plant, leaf, skin, or similar living surface, to release water as vapour or

3.動詞及物 / 不及物C2
釋義

of a plant, leaf, skin, or similar living surface, to release water as vapour or moisture through tiny openings.

例句

On hot afternoons, bean leaves transpire quickly in the school garden.

plant subject + transpire quickly in warm conditions

Brooke's skin transpired moisture during the uphill ride in the noon heat.

body-surface subject; transpires moisture

同義詞
  • lose moisture

    plain descriptive wording without the technical tone

  • sweat

    everyday choice for people, not for plants

  • exude

    broader and can refer to other substances besides water

文法句型

plants transpire through their leaves

skin transpires moisture

transpire water

用法筆記

Subject is usually a plant, a leaf, or a skin surface, and the verb appears mainly in biology or science writing. In everyday speech about people, 'sweat' is much more natural.

常見錯誤

❌The leaves sweated all afternoon.
✅The leaves transpired water all afternoon.
💡for plants, 'transpire' is the scientific verb for releasing water.
❌I was transpiring on the bus.
✅I was sweating on the bus.
💡for ordinary talk about people, 'sweat' is much more natural than 'transpire'.