transfigure

verb

trans·​fig·​ure tran(t)s-ˈfi-gyər How to pronounce transfigure (audio)
 especially British  -ˈfi-gə
transfigured; transfiguring

transitive verb

: to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to : transform outwardly and usually for the better
Choose the Right Synonym for transfigure

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

Examples of transfigure in a Sentence

Her face seemed transfigured by happiness. married life has seemingly transfigured his formerly aimless existence
Recent Examples on the Web Migrating from music to acting, a handful of talents such as Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Dwight Yoakam have transfigured their medium from melody to melodrama. Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024 But yes, little Johnny, human beings really did once get down on their knees every afternoon beside a mail slot, waiting for some transfiguring love or luck to slide through. Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024 Their work is made from everyday stuff, which is both celebrated and transfigured. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 The claim seems more aspirational than accurate, maybe even defensive—the altar boy claiming his right to the transfiguring blaze. Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for transfigure 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transfigure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French transfigurer, from Latin transfigurare, from trans- + figurare to shape, fashion, from figura figure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transfigure was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transfigure

Cite this Entry

“Transfigure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transfigure. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

transfigure

verb
trans·​fig·​ure tran(t)s-ˈfig-yər How to pronounce transfigure (audio)
 especially British  -ˈfig-ər
transfigured; transfiguring
: to change the form or appearance of and usually make more glorious or ideally beautiful

More from Merriam-Webster on transfigure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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