translate - Definition & Meaning

trans

late

Third Person

translates

Present Participle

translating

Past Tense

translated

Past Participle

translated

to change words into another language

transitive

She can effortlessly translate English texts into Spanish, showcasing her proficiency in both languages.
The students were assigned to translate a short story from French to English for their language class.
As a professional translator, his job is to accurately translate legal documents from Japanese to English.
The novel was so popular that it was eventually translated into multiple languages to reach a global audience.

Synonyms:

to convert or transform something from one state, format, or medium into another

The artist was able to translate the emotions of joy and sorrow into a beautiful piece of abstract art.
The novel was successfully translated from print format into an engaging audiobook for a wider audience.
The scientist aimed to translate complex scientific concepts into simple, understandable illustrations for the public.
The screenplay brilliantly translates the intricate plot of the novel into a compelling film narrative.
The architect skillfully translated the client's vision for a dream home into a detailed blueprint.

Synonyms:

to impart motion to an object in such a way that every part of the object moves in a straight line, maintaining a consistent orientation

transitive

The engineer carefully calibrated the motors to translate the robotic arm along a precise path.
In spacecraft navigation, thrusters are used to translate the satellite in specific directions without affecting its rotational stability.
To position the telescope accurately, astronomers use mechanisms that can translate the entire apparatus smoothly across the observation platform.
In robotics, linear actuators are employed to translate the movement of robotic limbs in a controlled and linear manner.

to elevate or bring someone or something into a specific spiritual or emotional condition

The meditation practice aims to translate individuals to a state of inner peace and mindfulness.
The soothing music had the power to translate the listeners to a tranquil and meditative state.
The sacred rituals were intended to translate the participants to a heightened spiritual awareness.
The breathtaking landscape seemed to translate the hiker to a heightened sense of awe.

to convert the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) into the corresponding sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis

Ribosomes translate the instructions encoded in mRNA into the specific sequence of amino acids that form proteins.
The genetic code serves as the dictionary that cells use to translate the information into the language of amino acids.
The sequence of codons on mRNA provides the blueprint that ribosomes follow to translate the genetic information into the correct sequence of amino acids.

to convey complex or technical information using straightforward and easily understandable language

The scientist was able to translate the intricate research findings into a public-friendly presentation.
The teacher skillfully translated the complex mathematical concept into a simple analogy that the students could easily grasp.
The software developer translated the technical specifications of the program into user-friendly documentation.
The government agency aimed to translate the legal jargon of the policy document into plain language.
The journalist's role is to translate complex political issues into stories that the general public can follow and comprehend.

to be capable of being communicated or understood in a different language

The humor in that joke doesn't quite translate well into English.
The beauty of poetry often struggles to translate across different languages.
The phrase "je ne sais quoi" in French translates to "a certain something" in English.
The humor in the sitcom doesn't always translate well into other languages due to cultural references and wordplay.

(geometry) to move a shape or figure from one position to another without rotating, resizing, or otherwise altering its shape

transitive

To translate the triangle 5 units to the right and 3 units up, you add 5 to the x-coordinates and 3 to the y-coordinates of each vertex.
When you translate a figure on the coordinate plane, its shape and size remain unchanged.
The transformation matrix can be used to translate a point by a specified vector.
To translate the polygon, you need to apply the same vector to each of its vertices.
In geometry, to translate a shape means to slide it horizontally, vertically, or both, without altering its orientation.