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Transcription vs. Transcribe — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Transcription is the process of converting spoken language into written text, while transcribe is the verb form, meaning to perform that conversion.
Transcription vs. Transcribe — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Transcription and Transcribe

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Key Differences

Transcription refers to the overall process or result of converting audio into text. On the other hand, transcribe is the action taken by an individual or software to make that conversion.
One engages in transcription when they need a written record of spoken content, such as in legal, medical, or media contexts, whereas to transcribe is to actively listen to speech and convert it into written form.
Transcription can be performed manually by a person or automatically by software, emphasizing the broad applications and tools involved. Conversely, when someone transcribes, they might use tools like headphones, software, or a transcription pedal to aid in accuracy and speed.
The quality and accuracy of transcription depend on factors like the clarity of the audio and the skill of the transcriber, while the act of transcribing requires attention to detail and often a good grasp of language to ensure precision.
Transcription services may include additional features like timestamps and speaker identification, which are not directly implied by the verb transcribe, indicating that the noun encompasses a wider scope of service features.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

The process or result of converting spoken language into text
The action of converting spoken language into text

Usage

Noun
Verb

Contexts

Legal, medical, media, etc.
Any context where audio needs to be written down

Tools & Equipment

May involve software, transcription pedals, etc.
Often involves using headphones, software, foot pedals

Related Features

May include timestamps, speaker identification
Focuses solely on the conversion process

Compare with Definitions

Transcription

The process of DNA being copied to mRNA in a cell.
Transcription in the nucleus is the first step of gene expression.

Transcribe

To convert spoken language into written text by listening.
Volunteers were needed to transcribe lectures for archival purposes.

Transcription

A transcript, especially one made from a recording.
The court ordered a full transcription of the proceedings.

Transcribe

To write out or put into written form.
He transcribes his thoughts into his journal every evening.

Transcription

The adaptation of a composition for a medium different from that for which it was originally written.
His transcription of the symphony for solo piano was acclaimed.

Transcribe

To make a transcription of music or other audio.
The musician transcribed the folk song for piano.

Transcription

The written or printed representation of something.
The transcription of the interview took three hours.

Transcribe

To represent (speech sounds) by phonetic symbols.
The linguist transcribed the unfamiliar sounds accurately.

Transcription

The act of making a record (especially an audio record);
She watched the recording from a sound-proof booth

Transcribe

To make a written copy, particularly from one medium to another.
She had to transcribe the audio recordings to text by tomorrow.

Transcription

The act or process of transcribing.

Transcribe

To make a full written or typewritten copy of (dictated material, for example).

Transcription

(Music) An adaptation of a composition.

Transcribe

(Computers) To transfer (information) from one recording and storing system to another.

Transcription

A recorded radio or television program.

Transcribe

To adapt or arrange (a composition) for a voice or instrument other than the original.

Transcription

(Linguistics) A representation of speech sounds in phonetic symbols.

Transcribe

To translate (a composition) from one notational system to another.

Transcription

(Genetics) The synthesis of messenger RNA from a DNA template through the formation of base pairs, resulting in a transfer of genetic information that codes for amino acid sequences composing proteins.

Transcribe

To reduce (live or recorded music) to notation.

Transcription

The act or process of transcribing.

Transcribe

To record, usually on tape, for broadcast at a later date.

Transcription

Something that has been transcribed, including:

Transcribe

(Linguistics) To represent (speech sounds) by phonetic symbols.

Transcription

(music) An adaptation of a composition.
These frame tale interludes frequently include transcriptions of Italian folk songs.

Transcribe

To translate or transliterate.

Transcription

(broadcasting) A recorded radio or television programme.

Transcribe

(Biology) To cause (DNA) to undergo transcription.

Transcription

(linguistics) A representation of speech sounds as phonetic symbols.

Transcribe

To convert a representation of language, typically speech but also sign language, etc., to a written representation of it. The term now usually implies the conversion of speech to text by a human transcriptionist with the assistance of a computer for word processing and sometimes also for speech recognition, the process of a computer interpreting speech and converting it to text.

Transcription

(obsolete) A written document.

Transcribe

(dictation) To make such a conversion from live or recorded speech to text.
The doctor made several recordings today which she will transcribe into medical reports tomorrow.

Transcription

(genetics) The synthesis of RNA under the direction of DNA.

Transcribe

(computing) To transfer data from one recording medium to another.

Transcription

The act or process of transcribing, or copying; as, corruptions creep into books by repeated transcriptions.

Transcribe

(music) To adapt a composition for a voice or instrument other than the original; to notate live or recorded music.

Transcription

A copy; a transcript.

Transcribe

(biochemistry) To cause DNA to undergo transcription.

Transcription

An arrangement of a composition for some other instrument or voice than that for which it was originally written, as the translating of a song, a vocal or instrumental quartet, or even an orchestral work, into a piece for the piano; an adaptation; an arrangement; - a name applied by modern composers for the piano to a more or less fanciful and ornate reproduction on their own instrument of a song or other piece not originally intended for it; as, Liszt's transcriptions of songs by Schubert.

Transcribe

(linguistics) To represent speech by phonetic symbols.

Transcription

Something written, especially copied from one medium to another, as a typewritten version of dictation

Transcribe

To write over again, or in the same words; to copy; as, to transcribe Livy or Tacitus; to transcribe a letter.

Transcription

(genetics) the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA; the process whereby a base sequence of messenger RNA is synthesized on a template of complementary DNA

Transcribe

Write out from speech, notes, etc.;
Transcribe the oral history of this tribe

Transcription

A sound or television recording (e.g., from a broadcast to a tape recording)

Transcribe

Rewrite in a different script;
The Sanskrit text had to be transliterated

Transcription

The act of arranging and adapting a piece of music

Transcribe

Rewrite or arrange a piece of music for an instrument or medium other than that originally intended

Transcribe

Make a phonetic transcription of;
The anthropologist transcribed the sentences of the native informant

Transcribe

Convert the genetic information in (a strand of DNA) into a strand of RNA, especially messenger RNA

Common Curiosities

Can transcription be automated?

Yes, transcription can be automated using software that converts speech to text using AI technologies.

What does it mean to transcribe?

To transcribe means to actively convert audio content into text.

How are transcription and transcribe related?

Transcription is the noun describing the process, while transcribe is the verb describing the action of executing that process.

Why is accurate transcription important?

Accurate transcription ensures that the written records reflect the original spoken content faithfully, which is crucial for legal accuracy and information dissemination.

Is transcribing difficult?

Transcribing can be challenging due to factors like poor audio quality, fast speech, and technical or specialized language.

Are transcriptions verbatim?

Transcriptions can be verbatim, including all words and non-verbal sounds, or edited for clarity and brevity.

What tools are used to transcribe?

Tools such as transcription software, headphones, and foot pedals are commonly used in transcribing.

How long does transcription take?

The time it takes to transcribe audio can vary widely based on the length and clarity of the recording and the experience of the transcriber.

What is transcription?

Transcription is the process of converting spoken words into written text.

What are common fields where transcription is used?

Common fields include legal, medical, journalism, and research.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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