trans
- 01 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.
Simple“The community center provides a safe space for trans and non-binary youth.”
In context“The documentary explores the diverse lived experiences of trans individuals navigating the healthcare system in urban environments.”
UsageAlmost always used as an adjective before a noun or after a linking verb.
PitfallHe 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.
SynonymsAntonymsciscisgender - 02 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“Trans fats are often found in processed foods and can be bad for your heart.”
In context“The physical properties of the trans isomer differ significantly from those of the cis isomer due to the different spatial arrangement of the atoms.”
UsageUsually appears as a prefix in chemical nomenclature, often italicized.
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The mechanic told me that my car needs a new trans.”
In context“After the race, the pit crew discovered a fluid leak in the trans that had likely cost the driver several seconds per lap.”
Teacher's tipThis 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
Usage trans people
“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.”
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.