ENGLISH
REFERENCE

trans

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɹænz// trans Humorous Informal Vulgar

adj. describing someone whose gender is different from the one they were given at birth. It is a short way of saying transgender.

adj. denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex. Often used as a clipped form of 'transgender' in both casual and formal contexts.


SIMPLE

She is a trans woman who works as a doctor.

CONTEXTUAL

The community center offers specific resources and support groups for trans youth and their families.

COMPLEX

The documentary explores the diverse experiences of trans individuals navigating the healthcare system, highlighting both the progress made in gender-affirming care and the systemic barriers that remain.

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Latin trāns (“on the other side of”). Doublet of très.

Etymology 2

Clipping of transgender or transsexual (ultimately from Latin trāns).

Etymology 3

Clipping.

Etymology 4

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Usage

Used as an adjective; it should not be used as a noun to refer to people. It does not take an '-ed' ending (like 'transed').

Pitfall

He is a trans.He is a trans man.Trans is an adjective, not a noun; it should modify a noun like 'person', 'man', or 'woman'.

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