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transit

TRAN-sit /ˈtrænzɪt/

nounverbB2IELTSTOEFLGMAT

neutralprofessional

The carrying of people or goods from one place to another; the state of being in motion between locations.

Refers specifically to the period or process of traveling, rather than the start or end of the journey.

The story behind the word. Transit comes directly from the Latin 'transitus', meaning 'a crossing over', which is derived from 'transire' (to go across). This is a combination of 'trans-' (across) and 'ire' (to go), perfectly capturing the essence of being on the move.

Word relationships

transportation: Transportation is the system or means of carrying things, while transit is the actual state of being carried or moving across.
passage: Passage often refers to a journey by water or air, or a physical pathway, whereas transit is more general for goods and passengers.

stagnation: The state of not moving or flowing, whereas transit is active movement.
arrival: The end of a journey, whereas transit is the journey itself.

Commonly confused with

transition: Transition is a change from one state or condition to another, while transit is physical movement from one place to another.

Word family

transitional (adjective): Relating to a period of transition or change.
transited (verb): Passed through or across a place.

Collocations

in transit
mass transit
transit time
transit visa

Example sentences

"The fragile glassware was unfortunately damaged while it was in transit between the warehouse and the store." Shipping status
"The city invested in a rapid transit system to reduce traffic congestion in the downtown area." Public transportation

Memory hook

Think of a 'transit' van moving 'across' (trans) the city to deliver your packages. Transit: In the middle of the trip.

When not to use

Do not use to describe stationary storage or the final delivery state of an item.

Fun facts

In astronomy, a 'transit' occurs when a planet or other celestial body passes directly between a larger body and the observer, like Venus transiting the Sun.