transformative

American  

[trans-fawr-muh-tiv] / trænsˈfɔr mə tɪv /

adjective

1. causing a radical and typically positive change in outlook, character, form, or condition: Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

   It's difficult to put into words how transformative and enriching it is to study abroad.

   Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

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Other Word Forms

• untransformative
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of transformative

First recorded in 1660–70; from Medieval Latin transformātīvus, equivalent to Latin transformāt-, stem of transformāre, + -īvus -ive ( def. ); see transform ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

transformative

The desire for these transformative products was never innate, and LACMA’s exhibition zeroes in on that idea from the start.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

However, it was his move to Chelsea in 2012 that proved transformative.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

Researchers are using extraordinarily detailed computer simulations to reconstruct one of the most transformative periods in cosmic history: the era when the first stars and galaxies began to emerge.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 3, 2026

Moody’s said in a statement the tie-up “will be strategically transformative, materially enhancing scale, revenue diversification and margins.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026

It’s a pretty good testament to the transformative power of rhetoric that Gettysburg remains so hallowed in the annals of American history.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

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Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational

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