transcribe
To write down or type out spoken words
Examples
In a meeting
“Can you transcribe the client interview for our records?”
Over coffee
“I transcribed my voice memos from the lecture.”
Why this word
write down
transcribe specifically means converting spoken words or audio into written text, while write down is generic
copy
transcribe implies converting from one medium to another (audio to text), while copy suggests duplicating existing written material
record
transcribe specifically produces a written document, while record can mean capturing in any format including audio or video
Usage tip
Use when converting audio or speech into written text format
Etymology
Latin 'transcribere' from 'trans-' (across) + 'scribere' (to write)
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Related words
chronicle
To record events in the order they happened
excerpt
To select and extract a short passage from a longer text
capture
Successfully record, obtain, or represent something accurately
backdate
To assign an earlier date to a document or event than when it actually occurred
redact
To remove or obscure sensitive information before sharing
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion