sense-for-sense
Ideas over words
Sense-for-sense describes a translation approach that prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original rather than matching it word for word.
A sense-for-sense translation might restructure sentences or substitute idioms to read naturally in the target language: The translator took a sense-for-sense approach, capturing the spirit rather than the literal words.
Contrasts with word-for-word translation.
Meaning exactly what's said
- verbatimIn identical wording
- exactPerfectly correct, no deviation
- faithfulConsistently loyal and true
- preciseExactly correct, no error
corresponding · equivalent · parallel · matching · direct · one-to-one · mirror · calque
Same in value or function
- correspondingMatching in character
- matchingIdentical in appearance
- parallelEquidistant at all points
- proportionalScaled to match another
analogous · reciprocal · balanced · symmetrical · quid-pro-quo · commensurate · parity · correlation
Exchange one for another
- tradeExchange of commodities
- barterDirect goods-for-goods exchange
- substituteReplacement for another
- replacePut something else there
reciprocate · interchange · counterpart · transaction · negotiation · compensation · restitution · offset
literal
Meaning exactly what's said
precise · corresponding · equivalent · parallel · matching · direct · one-to-one · mirror · calque · gloss
equivalent
Same in value or function
- correspondingMatching in character
- matchingIdentical in appearance
- parallelEquidistant at all points
proportional · analogous · reciprocal · balanced · symmetrical · quid-pro-quo · commensurate · parity · correlation
swap
Exchange one for another
- tradeExchange of commodities
- barterDirect goods-for-goods exchange
- substituteReplacement for another
replace · reciprocate · interchange · counterpart · transaction · negotiation · compensation · restitution · offset · return
sense-for-senseword-for-word
Exactly as stated
literal · verbatim · interlinear · calque · direct translation
sense, senses, sensed, sensing, sensible, sensibility, sensibilities, senseless, sensitive