transfigure

verb

trans·​fig·​ure tran(t)s-ˈfi-gyər 

 especially British  -ˈfi-gə

transfigured; transfiguring

transitive verb

: to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to : transform outwardly and usually for the better

Synonyms

• alchemize
• convert
• make over
• metamorphose
• transform
• transmute
• transpose
• transubstantiate

Choose the Right Synonym for transfigure

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.

transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

Examples of transfigure in a Sentence

Her face seemed transfigured by happiness.

married life has seemingly transfigured his formerly aimless existence

Recent Examples on the Web

In House of Leaves, Danielewski’s unconventional typographical choices (words transfigure into different shapes across the pages) captures the sinister proportions of the house. —G Kirilloff, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Migrating from music to acting, a handful of talents such as Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Dwight Yoakam have transfigured their medium from melody to melodrama. —Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024

But yes, little Johnny, human beings really did once get down on their knees every afternoon beside a mail slot, waiting for some transfiguring love or luck to slide through. —Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024

Their work is made from everyday stuff, which is both celebrated and transfigured. —Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French transfigurer, from Latin transfigurare, from trans- + figurare to shape, fashion, from figura figure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

transfigure

verb

trans·​fig·​ure tran(t)s-ˈfig-yər 

 especially British  -ˈfig-ər

transfigured; transfiguring

: to change the form or appearance of and usually make more glorious or ideally beautiful