Transcripts Meaning: Definition and Examples

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transcripts

[ˈtrænskrɪpts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

written records

Transcripts are written or typed records of spoken words, often produced in legal, educational, or professional contexts. They provide a textual representation of dialogues or speeches, capturing the exact language used.

Synonyms

account, document, record.

Examples of usage

  • The court issued a transcript of the trial proceedings.
  • She received a transcript of her grades for college applications.
  • The podcast is available with a transcript for accessibility.
  • During the interview, a transcript was recorded for future reference.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Transcripts are crucial for students applying to colleges, as they showcase academic performance and achievements.
  • There are often two types of transcripts: official (sealed and printed) and unofficial (not sealed or printed, often for personal use).

Legal

  • In legal settings, transcripts capture what was said in court, making them essential for records and appeals.
  • Lawyers and judges often rely on transcripts to review statements made during hearings and trials.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have led to automated transcription services that convert audio to text, streamlining documentation and note-taking.
  • Voice recognition software can now produce transcripts from audio recordings, which assists in various professional fields.

Media

  • Transcripts are widely used in journalism to provide accurate accounts of interviews and speeches, ensuring quotes are correctly attributed.
  • Television shows often create transcripts of episodes, which can be useful for captioning and translating for global audiences.

Origin of 'transcripts'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'transcriptus', which means 'to write over' or 'to copy.'
  • The prefix 'trans-' means 'across,' while 'script' comes from 'scribere,' meaning 'to write.' These roots combine to reflect the idea of writing something again.

The term 'transcript' originates from the Latin word 'transcriptus,' the past participle of 'transcribere,' which means 'to copy over' or 'to write across.' The prefix 'trans-' means 'across' while 'scribere' refers to 'to write.' The use of the term in the English language dates back to the late Middle Ages when it began appearing in academic and legal contexts. Initially, transcripts were produced by hand, meticulously crafted to ensure accuracy. With the advent of the printing press and later digital technology, the process became more efficient. Today, transcripts are widely utilized in various fields, including education, law, and broadcasting, representing a crucial means of documentation and communication.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,714, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.