Transformation & Metamorphosis Vocabulary

to change completely in form or nature

“The caterpillar metamorphosed into a butterfly.”

Origin: Greek: meta (beyond) + morphē (form)

to change in form, nature, or substance

“Alchemists sought to transmute lead into gold.”

Origin: Latin: trans (across) + mutare (to change)

to transform in a surprising or magical manner

“The stress seemed to transmogrify him into a different person.”

Origin: Origin unknown, possibly humorous alteration of transmigrate or transform

to transform into something more beautiful or elevated

“Love transfigured her ordinary features into radiance.”

Origin: Latin: trans (across) + figura (shape, form)

a complete change of form or character

“His metamorphosis from shy student to confident leader was remarkable.”

Origin: Greek: meta (beyond) + morphōsis (shaping, formation)

the action of changing or state of being changed into another form

“The transmutation of grief into art is a common theme.”

Origin: Latin: trans (across) + mutatio (change)

the conversion of one substance into another

“The philosopher discussed the transubstantiation of matter into energy.”

Origin: Latin: trans (across) + substantia (substance)

a complete change; a transformation

“Each permutation of the design had its own merits.”

Origin: Latin: permutare (to change thoroughly), per (through) + mutare (to change)

a change or alteration in form or qualities

“The virus underwent a dangerous mutation.”

Origin: Latin: mutatio (a changing), from mutare (to change)

the action of moving something to a different position

“The transposition of the melody to a higher key changed its character.”

Origin: Latin: trans (across) + ponere (to place)