Word
trans
/ˈtɹænz/
Definitions
01gender identity
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing someone whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
adj. denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.
Español:trans
“The community center provides a safe space for trans and non-binary youth.”
“The documentary explores the diverse lived experiences of trans individuals navigating the healthcare system in urban environments.”
Usage
Almost always used as an adjective before a noun or after a linking verb.
Pitfall
He is a trans.
He is trans.
In modern English, 'trans' is primarily an adjective. Using it as a noun to refer to a person can be seen as offensive or dehumanizing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02chemistry
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
adj. used in science to describe molecules where certain parts are on opposite sides of a bond.
adj. describing an isomer in which functional groups are on opposite sides of the plane of a double bond or ring.
“Trans fats are often found in processed foods and can be bad for your heart.”
“The physical properties of the trans isomer differ significantly from those of the cis isomer due to the different spatial arrangement of the atoms.”
Usage
Usually appears as a prefix in chemical nomenclature, often italicized.
Antonyms
03car transmission
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · American English
n. a short way of saying a vehicle's transmission (the gears).
n. a clipping of 'transmission', referring to the system of gears in a motor vehicle.
“The mechanic told me that my car needs a new trans.”
“After the race, the pit crew discovered a fluid leak in the trans that had likely cost the driver several seconds per lap.”
Teaching tip
This usage is very common in automotive contexts in the US but might be confusing in general conversation due to the more common gender-related sense.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “trans” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Peggie had complained about a doctor, who was a trans woman, using the female changing rooms.” “I n April 2015, after a long and very public career, first as a male decathlete, then as a reality TV star, Caitlyn Jenner announced to the world she was a trans woman.” “She went on to say: “We are all God’s children and how we are is who we are.” She didn’t stop at trans people, or American people, or white people.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin trāns (“on the other side of”). Doublet of très.
Clipping of transgender or transsexual (ultimately from Latin trāns).
Clipping.
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/trans
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0