transform

transform — verb

1. to make such a big change in the look, form, or character of a person or thing t

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to make such a big change in the look, form, or character of a person or thing that they become very different, often much better

Example

Salma's new haircut transformed her appearance so much that her friends did not recognize her.

collocation: transform + appearance

The old warehouse was transformed into a modern art gallery with bright white walls.

passive: be transformed into [new space]

Common collocations
  • transform + appearance
  • transform + life
  • transform + city
  • transform + industry
  • completely transform
  • totally transform
  • transform into
Synonyms
  • convert

    more technical; suggests a change of function (e.g., convert a sofa into a bed) rather than appearance

  • overhaul

    more dramatic; implies taking something apart and rebuilding it, often with effort

  • revolutionize

    stronger; suggests a sweeping, fundamental change that affects an entire system or field

Antonyms
  • preserve

    keep something in its original state, the opposite of changing it

  • maintain

    keep something the same rather than altering it

Grammar Patterns

transform + object + into + noun

be transformed into + noun

transform + object

Usage Note

Commonly used in the pattern 'transform [object] into [new form]'. Frequently appears in passive voice when the focus is on the result rather than the person or thing making the change.

Common Mistakes

The city has transformed' (unclear whether the city changed itself or was changed by someone).
The city has been transformed' or 'The city has transformed itself.
Without context, the bare intransitive form can be ambiguous; use the passive or reflexive for clarity.

2. to change the physical structure or state of something so that it becomes a diff

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to change the physical structure or state of something so that it becomes a different form, without necessarily improving it

Example

Caterpillars transform into butterflies inside a cocoon over several weeks.

transform + into [new form] (natural process)

When water is heated to one hundred degrees, it transforms into steam.

transform + into [different state] (science)

Common collocations
  • transform into
  • transform from
  • gradually transform
  • transform + energy
  • transform + substance
Synonyms
  • convert

    more technical; suggests a functional or chemical change rather than a natural one

  • metamorphose

    biological or dramatic; specifically about a complete change of physical form

  • transmute

    formal or alchemical; suggests a change of fundamental substance or nature

Antonyms
  • remain

    stay in the same form or state

Grammar Patterns

transform + into + noun

transform + object + into + noun

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1 (CHANGE COMPLETELY), this sense does not imply improvement — it simply describes a change from one form or state to another. Often used in scientific and natural contexts.

Common Mistakes

The caterpillar transformed to a butterfly.
The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
'Transform into' is the standard pattern; 'transform to' is rarely used and sounds unnatural.

transform — noun

Word family

  • transformation
    nounB2
  • transformative
    adjectiveC1
  • transformer
    nounB2
  • transformable
    adjectiveC1
  • transformational
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

To 'convert' something means to change its function — a garage converted to a workshop keeps its basic structure. 'Overhaul' suggests a complete rebuilding or renovation, often involving taking something apart: mechanics overhaul an engine to replace worn parts. 'Revolutionize' implies a sweeping, fundamental change to how an entire system works: the internet revolutionized global communication. 'Remodel' focuses on changing the structure or appearance of a building or object, such as remodeling a kitchen with new cabinets and countertops. In contrast, 'transform' covers all these situations but emphasizes that the result is deeply and visibly different, often dramatically better. For example, you would say 'the new principal transformed the school, not just overhauled it' to stress the depth and breadth of the change.

convert ↗overhaulrevolutionizeremodel

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • transform into
  • transform from... into...
  • undergo a transform

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'transform' comes from Latin 'transformare', where 'trans-' means 'across or beyond' and 'forma' means 'shape or form'. It entered English through Old French in the 14th century, originally describing changes in physical shape before expanding to cover changes in character, structure, and nature.