English UsageVocabulary guide

Transpire: Meaning and Usage

“Transpire” has several established meanings. In formal general English it can mean that a previously unknown fact becomes known, and dictionaries also record the broader sense “happen.” In biology it can mean losing water through a surface or skin.

Quick answer

“Transpire” can mean “become known” or, formally, “happen”; in biology it refers to water loss through a surface. Use the surrounding grammar and subject matter to make the sense clear.

Key details

Meaningsbecome known, happen, lose water through a surface in biology
Registerformal in the general-English senses
Word Classverb

Further guidance

Become Known

A common formal pattern is “it transpired that…,” introducing information that became known.

Biology Sense

In biology, plants or bodies can transpire by losing water through their surface or skin.

Happen Sense

Major dictionaries also record “transpire” meaning “happen,” so that use should not be labeled categorically incorrect.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Transpire — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary meanings of “transpire,” including become known, happen, and biological water loss

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