Meaning & use
metamorphosize
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Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To change completely in form, structure, or nature; to undergo a dramatic transformation.
Grammar: Can take an object (metamorphosize something) or stand alone (something metamorphosizes). Often used with 'into'.
Patterns
- metamorphosize into something
- metamorphosize something into something
The old factory was metamorphosized into a modern art gallery.
Over millions of years, the species metamorphosized into a completely different animal.
Her writing style metamorphosized after she spent a year abroad.
verbintransitive
To change one's own character or behavior completely, especially in a positive way.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'from' or 'into'.
Patterns
- metamorphosize from something into something
He metamorphosized from a shy teenager into a confident public speaker.
The company metamorphosized from a small startup into a global brand.
Word forms
| third person singular | metamorphosizes |
|---|---|
| past tense | metamorphosized |
| past participle | metamorphosized |
| -ing form | metamorphosizing |
Common combinations
- metamorphosize into
- The caterpillar metamorphosizes into a butterfly.
- metamorphosize from
- She metamorphosized from a novice into an expert.
- gradually metamorphosize
- The neighborhood gradually metamorphosized over the decade.
- completely metamorphosize
- The city completely metamorphosized after the Olympics.
Synonyms and how they differ
- transform
- More neutral and common; can be used in almost any context, while metamorphosize suggests a more dramatic, almost magical change.
- metamorphose
- The more standard verb form; some style guides prefer it over metamorphosize.
- transmute
- Often used for changing one substance into another, especially in alchemy or physics; more technical.
Opposites
Word family
- metamorphosis noun
- A complete change of form or nature.
- metamorphic adjective
- Relating to or characterized by change in form, especially in rocks.
Commonly confused: metamorphosize or metamorphose?
metamorphosize vs metamorphose
The standard verb; metamorphosize is a variant that some consider less formal.
Practice
The caterpillar will eventually ________ into a butterfly.
Choose one answer.
After 'will', the base form of the verb is needed, so 'metamorphosize' is correct. 'Metamorphosizes' is third-person singular, which does not fit with 'will'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “metamorphosize”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.