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Origin and history of transition

transition(n.)

mid-15c., transicion, in grammar, of the relation between verb and object, from Latin transitionem (nominative transitio) "a going across or over," noun of action from past-participle stem of transire "go or cross over" (see transient).

The general sense of "change, passage from one condition or action to another" is by 1550s in English. Specifically as "passage in a speech or writing changing a subject" by 1590s. By 1660s in reference to musical passages.

also from mid-15c.

Entries linking to transition

transient(adj.)

c. 1600, "transitory, passing with time, not durable," from Latin transientem (nominative transiens) "passing over or away," present participle of transire "cross over, go over, pass over, hasten over, pass away," from trans "across, beyond" (see trans-) + ire "to go" (from PIE root *ei- "to go").

Strictly, transient marks the fact that a thing soon passes or will soon pass away ; as, a transient impression : a transient shadow. Transitory indicates that lack of permanence is in the nature of the thing: as, transitory pleasure ; this transitory life. [Century Dictionary]

By 1610s as "passing across," as from person to person or place to place. The meaning "passing through a place without staying" is from 1680s.

The noun is attested by 1650s, "transient thing or being;" specific sense of "transient guest or boarder, person who passes through a place and stays only a short time" is attested by 1857. Related: Transiently.

transitional(adj.)

"of or pertaining to transition," 1810, from transition + -al (1). Related: Transitionally. Transitionary in the same sense is from 1680s.

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