transform

[trans-fawrm, trans-fawrm]

verb (used with object)

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.

verb (used without object)

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

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

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of transform¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of transform¹

C14: from Latin transformāre , from _trans- + formāre to _form

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

And he set about transforming his mind alongside his body by showing up in Klein’s office two or three times a week to talk through the nuances of the offense.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Fernando, as co-head until recently for Latin America structured credit trading and lending, has played a big role in overseeing the financing deals that have transformed the firm’s footprint in the region.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Pecans — toasted or candied — introduce flavor and texture contrast: that little crunch can transform the dish entirely.

Read more on Salon

A spokesperson said over the past decade Rhyl had seen "substantial public investment" including a £100m flood defence upgrade which had "transformed the seafront" with a new promenade and a big children's play area.

Read more on BBC

The success has reiterated how distinguished doubles guru Louis Cayer has transformed the nation's quality and depth through his work at the Lawn Tennis Association.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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