transfigure

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitiveliterary

   To change someone or something completely, especially making them seem more beautiful or noble.

   Grammar: Takes an object: transfigure a face.

   Patterns

   • transfigure someone/something
   • be transfigured by something

   The evening light transfigured the plain hills into gold.

   Her face was transfigured by joy when she heard the news.

   The artist's touch seemed to transfigure the ordinary scene.

2. 2verbtransitivereligionformal

   To change someone's appearance or form in a spiritual or divine way.

   Grammar: Often used in religious contexts, especially about Jesus.

   Patterns

   • be transfigured
   • transfigure someone into something

   According to the Bible, Jesus was transfigured on the mountain.

   The saint was said to have been transfigured by prayer.

   The ritual is believed to transfigure the soul.

Word forms

Common combinations

transfigure into

The caterpillar seemed to transfigure into a butterfly.

transfigured by light

The room was transfigured by the setting sun.

transfigure the ordinary

Poetry can transfigure the ordinary into something magical.

Synonyms and how they differ

transform

More general and neutral; transfigure suggests a beautiful or spiritual change.

transmute

Often used for a change in substance or form, especially in alchemy or science.

glorify

Focuses on giving praise or making something seem glorious, not necessarily changing its form.

Word family

transfiguration noun

The act of transfiguring or the state of being transfigured.

Commonly confused: transfigure or transform? transfigure or disfigure?

Practice

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