transform

American  

[trans-fawrm, trans-fawrm] / trænsˈfɔrm, ˈtræns fɔrm /

verb (used with object)

transforms, present (3rd person singular) transformed, past participle, past transforming present participle

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.

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verb (used without object)

transforms, present (3rd person singular) transformed, past participle, past transforming present participle

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 British  

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

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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

Synonym Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has transformed
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have transformed
  perfect
• have been transforming
  perfect progressive
• am transforming
  progressive 1st person singular
• has been transforming
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• is transforming
  progressive 3rd person singular
• transforming
  participle
• transforms
  singular 3rd person
• are transforming
  progressive

Past

• had transformed
  perfect
• were transforming
  progressive plural
• had been transforming
  perfect progressive
• was transforming
  progressive singular
• transformed
  simple
• transformed
  participle

Future

• will transform
  simple
• will have transformed
  perfect
• will be transforming
  progressive
• will have been transforming
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of transform

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

Explanation

When you transform you change from one thing or state to another. Picture a transformer that changes from a robot to a car. Simple, right? Caterpillars transform into butterflies, a forest is transformed by a snowfall, and a city can be transformed by a new government or a changing economy. Transform means a big change in appearance or in essence. The Internet has transformed how we live our day-to-day lives, but you wouldn't say that moving a throw pillow has transformed your living room.

Example Sentences

Expect games, clowning and catharsis that transform helplessness into empowerment and isolation into belonging.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

In fiscal 2030, the company expects OCI revenue to rise to $166 billion, about three-quarters of sales, which would transform it from a legacy software company into an AI infrastructure company.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

A spoonful of capers can transform a simple chicken cutlet.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

"This summer is an incredible opportunity for us to transform what soccer looks like in America."

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

In Soweto, because there was no leaving the ghetto, the dream was to transform the ghetto.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

Related Words

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