- Main Entry:
- 1trans·form
- Pronunciation:
-
\tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm\
- Function:
- verb
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form
- Date:
- 14th century
transitive verb1 a: to change in composition or structure b: to change the outward form or appearance of c: to change in character or condition : convert2: to subject to mathematical transformation3: to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformationintransitive verb: to become transformed : change
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trans·form·able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective —
trans·for·ma·tive \-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv\ adjective synonyms transform,
metamorphose,
transmute,
convert,
transmogrify,
transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.
transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function
<transformed a small company into a corporate giant>.
metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power
<awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas>.
transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing
<attempted to transmute lead into gold>.
convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function
<converted the study into a nursery>.
transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis
<a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince>.
transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies
<joy transfigured her face>.
