Definition of the word transcribe

The word "transcribe" comes from the Latin verb "transcribere," which consists of the prefix "trans" meaning "across" or "through," and the verb "scribere" meaning "to write." The verb "transcribere" originally denoted the act of copying a text from one place or format to another, such as from a manuscript to a printed page, or from an old script or format to a modern one. The concept of transcribing also extends beyond literary texts to other forms of media, such as transcribing audio recordings or video footage for preservation or transcription purposes. Ultimately, the meaning of the word "transcribe" has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of functions, from simply copying text to also involving the process of translating or paraphrasing it to make it more accessible or understandable in different contexts.