Transcript
TRAN-skript
/ˈtræn.skrɪpt/
An official record of a student's academic performance, including courses taken, grades received, and degrees awarded.
Always refers to an official, written record. In the college context, it's typically sent directly from one institution to another to ensure authenticity.
The story behind the word. The word 'transcript' comes from the Latin verb transcribere, which means 'to copy' or 'to transfer in writing.' It's a combination of trans- ('across, over') and scribere ('to write'). So, a transcript is quite literally something 'written across' or 'copied over' from an original record, ensuring an accurate and official representation.
Word relationships
- Record: more general term for any documented information
- Report card: typically for younger students, less formal than a transcript
Commonly confused with
- Manuscript: 'Transcript' is a copy of something written or spoken; 'manuscript' is an original text, often handwritten, before publication.
Word family
- Transcribe (verb): to write or type out something spoken or recorded
- Transcription (noun): the act or process of transcribing
Collocations
- official transcript
- academic transcript
- high school transcript
- college transcript
- send a transcript
- request a transcript
Example sentences
- "Applicants must submit an official high school transcript directly from their school." Requirement for college applications.
- "Her transcript showed a perfect 4.0 GPA and numerous advanced placement courses." Description of academic performance.
- "The university requested a final transcript to confirm her graduation before enrollment." Final verification.
Memory hook
A TRANSCRIPT is a TRANSfer of your grades, SCRIPTed out officially. Transcribe your script.
When not to use
Don't use 'transcript' for a casual list of grades or a personal record. It implies an official document.
Fun facts
- The word 'transcript' is also used for a written record of spoken words, such as court proceedings or interviews.
- Many universities now prefer electronic transcripts for faster and more secure delivery.
Related words
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