transform

1 of 2

verb

trans·​form tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm 

transformed; transforming; transforms

transitive verb

1

a

: to change in composition or structure

b

: to change the outward form or appearance of

c

: to change in character or condition : convert

2

: to subject to mathematical transformation

3

: to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation

intransitive verb

: to become transformed : change

transformable

tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl 

adjective

transform

2 of 2

noun

trans·​form ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm 

1

: a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation

2

: transformation sense 3a(1)

3

: a linguistic structure (such as a sentence) produced by means of a transformation

"the duckling is killed by the farmer" is a transform of "the farmer kills the duckling"

Synonyms

Verb

• alchemize
• convert
• make over
• metamorphose
• transfigure
• transmute
• transpose
• transubstantiate

Choose the Right Synonym for transform

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 transform in a Sentence

Verb

A little creativity can transform an ordinary meal into a special event.

The old factory has been transformed into an art gallery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Dunster, on the other hand, earned his first-ever Emmy nomination this year for his role of Jamie Tartt, who starts out as a selfish, egotistical ball hog who transforms into a far more emotionally mature team player by the final season. —Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024

At the stern, the tender garage is fitted with a transom hatch that can transform into an expansive swim platform. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2024

That’s because streaming, and prestige cable TV before it, has transformed what people watch and how. —Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2024

Taiwanese voters headed to the polls Saturday as three candidates vie for the presidency in a contentious election that could transform Taiwan’s relationship with China. —Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2024

The right notation can absolutely transform a piece of mathematics, and can make space for generalizations as well. —Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2024

But for the time-crunched, here’s my summary: AI has enormous potential to transform business and society, but don’t expect a straight-line climb to the sky. —Alan Murray, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2024

The first floor also has an office, which can easily be transformed into a seventh bedroom. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2024

The old bar has been transformed into a large coffee station to better serve La Crema’s breakfast-and-lunch crowd. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2024

See More

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transform

• Laplace transform
• transform fault
• Fourier transform

• Laplace transform
• transform fault
• Fourier transform

Kids Definition

transform

verb

trans·​form

tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm

1

a

: to change completely in composition, structure, or character

b

: to change in outward appearance

2

: to substitute for or change (a mathematical expression) into another using a mathematical rule

transformative

-ˈfȯr-mət-iv

adjective

Medical Definition

transform

transitive verb

trans·​form tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm 

: to cause to change: as

a

: to change (a current) in potential (as from high voltage to low) or in type (as from alternating to direct)

b

: to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation

intransitive verb

: to become transformed