First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1transpose
transitive verb trans·pose \tran(t)s-ˈpōz\
: to change the position or order of (two things)
: to change (something) by giving it a different form, using it in a different place or situation, etc.
music : to write or perform (a piece of music) in a different key
trans·posedtrans·pos·ing
Full Definition of TRANSPOSE
1
: to change in form or nature : transform
2
: to render into another language, style, or manner of expression : translate
4
: to change the relative place or normal order of : alter the sequence of <transpose letters to change the spelling>
5
: to write or perform (a musical composition) in a different key
6
: to bring (a term) from one side of an algebraic equation to the other with change of sign
— trans·pos·able \-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ adjective
See transpose defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TRANSPOSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French transposer, from Latin transponere (perfect indicative transposui) to change the position of, from trans- + ponere to put, place — more at position
Related to TRANSPOSE
- Synonyms
- alchemize, make over, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, transmute, convert, transubstantiate
Synonym Discussion of TRANSPOSE
reverse, transpose, invert mean to change to the opposite position. reverse is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning <reversed his position on the trade agreement>. transpose implies a change in order or relative position of units often through exchange of position <transposed the letters to form an anagram>. invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out <a stamp with an inverted picture of an airplane>.
Rhymes with TRANSPOSE
2transpose
noun trans·pose \ˈtran(t)s-ˌpōz\
Definition of TRANSPOSE
: a matrix formed from another matrix by interchanging the rows and columns
First Known Use of TRANSPOSE
1937
TRANSPOSE Defined for Kids
transpose
verb trans·pose \trans-ˈpōz\
trans·posedtrans·pos·ing
Definition of TRANSPOSE for Kids
1
: to change the position or order of <Transpose the letters in “tow” to spell “two.”>
2
: to write or perform in a different musical key
Medical Dictionary
transpose
verb trans·pose \tran(t)s-ˈpōz\
trans·posedtrans·pos·ing
Medical Definition of TRANSPOSE
transitive verb
: to transfer from one place or period to another; specifically : to subject to genetic transposition
intransitive verb
: to undergo genetic transposition
—trans·pos·able \-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ adjective
Learn More About TRANSPOSE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: transposing instrumentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: transposalAll Words Near: transpose
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up transpose? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).