Transform

/trænsˈfɔːrm/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To change something or someone completely, often in a positive way; to alter the appearance or nature of something.

/trænsˈfɔːrm/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To change significantly in form, appearance, or nature.

The new software will transform the way we work.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing with clay. You can transform it from a ball into a snake, a bowl, or anything you can imagine. It's about making a big change!

👶 For kids: To change something into something else, like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly!

More Examples

2

The artist transformed a blank canvas into a masterpiece.

3

The magician transformed a rabbit into a dove.

How It's Used

General

"The caterpillar will transform into a butterfly."

Business

"The company needs to transform its operations to remain competitive."

Technology

"Data can be transformed into useful information."

2

To make a big change in the way that something is used or experienced.

/trænsˈfɔːrm/

verbneutralmedium
General

To change the way that something is used or experienced.

This technology is transforming the medical field.

💡 Simply: Let's say you have an old attic. If you clean it and make it into a game room, you've transformed it from a storage space to a fun place to play!

👶 For kids: To change something into something else, like when your old toys become new toys because you gave them a new use!

More Examples

2

The pandemic transformed the way people work.

3

The new policy is transforming the organization.

How It's Used

Social

"The internet has transformed the way we communicate."

Economic

"Urban renewal projects can transform struggling neighborhoods."

Tip:Think of a complete shift in how something is used. For example, recycling can transform waste into something useful.

Idioms & expressions

transform someone's life

To greatly improve someone's life.

"The new job opportunity transformed her life."

From Middle English transformen, from Old French transformer, from Latin transformare ('to change the form of'), from trans- ('across, over, through') + formare ('to form').

The word has been used since the 16th century to describe a significant change in form or appearance, often with a focus on magic or alchemy in early uses.

Memory tip

Think of a magical transformation! Like a superhero changing their appearance or a simple object becoming something grander.

transfromtransfomtransfrome

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written