transform

[trans-fawrm, trans-fawrm]

verb (used with object)

1. to change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose.

   Synonyms: transfigure

2. to change in condition, nature, or character; convert.

3. to change into another substance; transmute.

4. Electricity.

   1. to increase or decrease (the voltage and current characteristics of an alternating-current circuit), as by means of a transformer.

   2. to decrease (the voltage and current characteristics of a direct-current circuit), as by means of a transformer.

5. Mathematics.,  to change the form of (a figure, expression, etc.) without in general changing the value.

6. Physics.,  to change into another form of energy.

verb (used without object)

1. to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character; become transformed.

noun

1. Mathematics.

   1. a mathematical quantity obtained from a given quantity by an algebraic, geometric, or functional transformation.

   2. the transformation itself.

2. the result of a transformation.

3. a transformation.

4. Logic.,  transformation.

5. Linguistics.,  a structure derived by a transformation.

transform

verb

1. to alter or be altered radically in form, function, etc

2. (tr) to convert (one form of energy) to another form

3. (tr) maths to change the form of (an equation, expression, etc) by a mathematical transformation

4. (tr) to increase or decrease (an alternating current or voltage) using a transformer

noun

1. maths the result of a mathematical transformation, esp (of a matrix or an element of a group) another related to the given one by B = X ^–1 AX for some appropriate X

Other Word Forms

• transformable adjective
• transformative adjective
• intertransformable adjective
• nontransforming adjective
• retransform verb (used with object)
• self-transformed adjective
• untransformable adjective
• untransformed adjective
• untransforming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transform¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English transformen, from Latin trānsfōrmāre “to change in shape”; trans-, form

Word History and Origins

Origin of transform¹

C14: from Latin transformāre , from _trans- + formāre to _form

Synonym Study

Transform , convert mean to change one thing into another. Transform suggests changing from one form, appearance, structure, or type to another: to transform soybeans into oil and meal by pressure. Convert suggests so changing the characteristics as to change the use or purpose: to convert a barn into a house.

Example Sentences

“Mr. Musk is being asked to transform Tesla and, in so doing, provide transformative technologies to better society as a whole,” the company says in its proxy statement in which the pay deal is disclosed.

From Los Angeles Times

Sheen, who as an actor is best known for transforming into characters including Prince Andrew, David Frost and Tony Blair, previously said he was "incredibly excited".

From BBC

The design features Mr Monopoly alongside property cards and game tokens, with a design on the "GO" sign that transforms to reveal the game's "M" money symbol when tilted.

From BBC

The #MeToo movement seemed to have transformed, or at least profoundly altered, the nature of power in the cultural industries and the corporate world at large.

From Salon

"But I'm hoping that this time around, the next leader will radically transform Malawi."

From BBC

Related Words

• alter 
• convert 
• mold 
• mutate 
• reconstruct 
• remodel 
• revamp 
• revolutionize 
• transfer 
• translate