transities

Transities, or transitions, are processes that connect one state, condition, or location to another. They can occur over time or space, and may be instantaneous or gradual. Depending on the field, transities can be deterministic, probabilistic, or governed by specific rules.

In computer science and mathematics, a transition is a relation between states in a system. A labeled transition system defines states and transitions triggered by inputs or conditions. Such models underpin finite automata, state machines, and stochastic processes, providing a formal way to describe how systems evolve.

In the physical sciences, transitions describe changes of state or phase when a control parameter crosses a threshold. Phase transitions can be first-order, involving abrupt changes and latent heat, or continuous, with gradual variation of properties. Transitions also occur in dynamical systems as parameters change, sometimes producing complex or chaotic behavior.

In linguistics and phonetics, transitions refer to the way features shift from one segment to another, including coarticulation effects and prosodic boundaries. They help explain how sounds influence each other in fluent speech.

In media and design, visual transitions are techniques used to move from one shot or element to another. They affect pacing and narrative flow and include cuts, fades, dissolves, and wipes, chosen to suit style and communication goals.

Etymology traces transities to Latin transire, “to go across.” In Dutch, transities is the common plural, while English typically uses transitions. See also transition, state machine, phase transition, and video editing.