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Transposition: meaning, definitions and examples

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transposition

 

[ trænspəˈzɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

musical term

Transposition in music refers to the process of changing the key of a piece of music. This involves shifting all notes, chords, and other musical elements to a different pitch level. Musicians often transpose music to make it easier to perform or to fit a specific vocal range. Understanding transposition is essential for composition and arrangement, as it allows for greater flexibility in adapting music for different instruments or ensembles.

Synonyms

alteration, conversion, shift

Examples of usage

  • The pianist performed a transposition of the original score.
  • She practiced transposition to play the song in a higher key.
  • In the choir, they used transposition to accommodate different voices.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

In mathematics, transposition refers to the process of swapping elements in a matrix or changing the arrangement of terms in an equation. This is commonly used in linear algebra and can help in solving systems of equations or optimizing mathematical expressions. Transposition can also refer to the rearrangement of terms to isolate a variable in algebra.

Synonyms

exchange, rearrangement, swapping

Examples of usage

  • The transposition of the matrix simplified the calculations.
  • Using transposition, he was able to isolate the variable.
  • In solving the equation, she performed a transposition of the terms.

Translations

Translations of the word "transposition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transposição

🇮🇳 स्थानांतरण

🇩🇪 Transposition

🇮🇩 transposisi

🇺🇦 транспозиція

🇵🇱 transpozycja

🇯🇵 転置

🇫🇷 transposition

🇪🇸 transposición

🇹🇷 transpozisyon

🇰🇷 변환

🇸🇦 تحويل

🇨🇿 transpozice

🇸🇰 transpozícia

🇨🇳 置换

🇸🇮 transpozicija

🇮🇸 flutningur

🇰🇿 транспозиция

🇬🇪 ტრანსპოზიცია

🇦🇿 transpozisiya

🇲🇽 transposición

Word origin

The term 'transposition' comes from the Latin word 'transpositio', which means 'placing elsewhere'. It is derived from 'transponere', meaning 'to place across' or 'to transfer'. This Latin root combines 'trans', meaning 'across', and 'ponere', meaning 'to put or place'. The word entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and was originally used in various academic and artistic contexts. Over time, its usage expanded into musical theory and mathematical terminology, where it retains the core idea of changing the position or order of elements.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,931, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.