Transpose: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used interchangeably with 'transpose' in both mathematics and music with the same meaning.

• You have to transpose this piece into a different key.
• They transposed the data from the spreadsheet into the database.

Typically used when moving something from one place to another, like data, ownership, responsibility, etc.

• He needs to transfer money to his friend.
• The patient was transferred to a different hospital.

Specifically used in music when changing the pitch of a piece.

• The choir director asked to change key for the final verse.
• If the song is too high, we might need to change key.

Used when altering the order of elements in any context, such as words in a sentence, furniture in a room, etc.

• She decided to rearrange the living room for better space utilization.
• Can you help me rearrange these files alphabetically?

Swap elements or locations, often used in mathematical or musical contexts.

• He had to transpose the matrix to solve the equation
• She transposed the song to a higher key

Change something from one form or system to another, common in technical, religious, or general transformation contexts.

• They converted the files into a different format
• He converted to a new religion after years of reflection

Change the order or position of things, often used in physical or organizational contexts.

• She decided to rearrange the furniture in the living room
• They rearranged their schedule to fit the new appointments

Replace one thing with another, often quickly and easily. Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

• He switched seats with his friend
• They switched roles for the day

Typically used in music, mathematics, or general tasks involving the reordering of elements. It can mean switching positions of notes, figures, or even letters.

• In Excel, you can transpose rows into columns.
• The composer decided to transpose the melody to a higher key.

Occurs in the study of phonology, a sub-discipline of linguistics. It refers to changes in the sound system of a language, including how sounds are produced and perceived.

• Phonological change can affect entire languages or specific dialects.
• The loss of certain consonants in English words is an example of phonological change.

Refers more specifically to changes in the pronunciation of sounds within a language. It can be used interchangeably with phonological change but is less technical and can also be understood in general speech.

• The High German consonant shift is an example of a sound shift.
• Sound shifts can create significant differences in dialects.

Used in the study of linguistics to describe significant changes in language over time. It refers to broader changes that occur in language patterns, including grammar, vocabulary, and usage.

• The Great Vowel Shift is a well-known example of a linguistic shift in English.
• Linguistic shifts can take centuries to fully manifest.