transpire
Definitions
To become known; to turn out (it transpired that...).
（后来）为人所知；原来是……。
To happen; to take place (informal).
发生（非正式）。
(Of a plant) to give off water vapour through its surface.
（植物）蒸腾，散发水汽。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedtrans- (across) + spire (breathe) = 'to breathe across / give off vapour.' Plants literally transpire water vapour. The image of vapour seeping out shifted to information seeping out — 'to become known' — and from there loosely to 'to happen.'
Root spir still carries 34 more wordsWhy It Means This
transpire took a striking leap from biology to everyday speech. Literally a plant 'breathes out' water vapour. The notion of something invisibly leaking out became 'a secret leaking out' → 'to come to light' (it transpired that...). The loose 'to happen' sense (what transpired at the party) is common but considered sloppy by some careful writers.
Common Collocations
- 1.it transpired that后来发现……
- 2.as it transpired结果是
- 3.events transpired事情发生（经过）
Example Sentences
- 1.
It later transpired that he had known about the plan all along.
- 2.
No one knows exactly what transpired at the meeting.
- 3.
Leaves transpire more quickly in hot, dry weather.