transpire

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitiveformal

   To happen or take place, especially when the event becomes known later.

   Grammar: No object; often used in formal writing about events.

   Patterns

   • it transpired that...
   • what transpired

   It later transpired that the meeting had been cancelled.

   Nobody knew what had transpired during the secret talks.

   It transpired that she had been working there for years.

2. 2verbintransitiveformal

   To become known or be revealed.

   Grammar: Often used with 'it' as a dummy subject: 'It transpired that...'

   Patterns

   • it transpires that...
   • it transpired that...

   It transpired that the documents were forgeries.

   It later transpired that he had never been to college.

   It transpires that the two events were connected.

3. 3verbintransitivetechnicalbiology

   (Of a plant) to give off water vapor through leaves or other surfaces.

   Grammar: Technical; used in biology.

   Patterns

   • plants transpire
   • leaves transpire

   Plants transpire through tiny pores in their leaves.

   During the day, the leaves transpire and release water vapor.

   The process by which plants transpire helps cool them.

Word forms

Common combinations

it transpired that

It transpired that the money had been stolen.

what transpired

She refused to discuss what had transpired at the meeting.

transpire through leaves

Water transpires through the leaves of the plant.

Synonyms and how they differ

happen

More general and informal; 'transpire' is formal and often suggests events becoming known.

occur

Formal and neutral; 'transpire' often adds the idea of later revelation.

emerge

Used for facts becoming known; 'transpire' is often used in the pattern 'it transpired that...'.

Word family

transpiration noun

The process by which plants give off water vapor.

Commonly confused: transpire or transpire?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “transpire”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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