Meaning & use
transform
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To change something so thoroughly that it looks, works, or feels very different from before.
Grammar: Takes an object: the new paint transformed the room.
Patterns
- transform something into something
- transform something
A fresh coat of paint transformed the dull kitchen.
The internet has transformed the way we shop.
She transformed the old barn into a studio.
verbintransitive
To go through a complete change in form or character.
Grammar: No object; often followed by into: the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
Patterns
- transform into something
- transform from something to something
The quiet town transformed into a bustling city within a decade.
In the story, the frog transforms into a prince.
Water transforms into steam when heated enough.
verbtransitivemathematicstechnical
To change an expression or number into another form using a rule, as in algebra or geometry.
Grammar: Used in math and science with an object: transform the data.
Patterns
- transform something into something
The students transformed the equation into a simpler form.
The software transforms raw data into charts.
A mirror image transforms a shape by flipping it.
Word forms
| third person singular | transforms |
|---|---|
| past tense | transformed |
| past participle | transformed |
| -ing form | transforming |
Common combinations
- completely transform
- The renovation completely transformed the house.
- transform lives
- Good teachers can transform lives.
- transform the way
- The app will transform the way we work.
- transform into
- The empty lot transformed into a garden.
- radically transform
- The reforms radically transformed the health system.
Synonyms and how they differ
- change
- Change is the ordinary word and can be small, whereas transform means a deep, often striking change.
- convert
- Convert suggests switching something to a new use or form, often with a clear purpose.
- alter
- Alter means a partial or minor change, not a total one.
- revolutionize
- Revolutionize is stronger and used for changing a whole field or system.
Opposites
Word family
- transformation noun
- a complete change
- transformer noun
- a device that changes electrical voltage
- transformative adjective
- causing deep change
- transformational adjective
- relating to major change
Commonly confused: transform or transfer? transform or translate?
transform vs transfer
Transfer means to move something from one place or person to another, without changing what it is.
transform vs translate
Translate means to turn words into another language.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'transform' with the right pattern?
Choose one answer.
Transform into is the usual pattern for the new form. The other prepositions do not mark the result of a change.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “transform”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.