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translation

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //tɹænˈsɫeɪʃən// UK //tɹænslˈeɪʃən// trans·la·tion General-service

n. the act of changing words from one language into another. It can also mean the written or spoken version of a text in a different language.

n. the process of rendering text or speech from a source language into a target language while maintaining equivalent meaning. Also refers to the resulting product of this process.


SIMPLE

The book is available in an English translation.

CONTEXTUAL

The technical manual required a professional translation to ensure that the safety instructions remained accurate for international users.

COMPLEX

A successful translation must balance literal accuracy with the preservation of the original author's tone and cultural nuances, which often requires significant creative adaptation.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English translacioun (“transfer, translation”), from Anglo-Norman translacioun, from Latin trānslātiō, from trānslāt-, the supine stem of trānsferō (“to transfer, transport, transform, translate”). Equivalent to translate + -ion. Displaced native Old English wending.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general activity or process; countable when referring to a specific version or a particular translated text.

Pitfall

the translation from the bookthe translation of the bookWhen identifying the source material being translated, use the preposition 'of' rather than 'from'.

Idioms1 entry

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