# metamorphosis

/ˌmɛtəˈmɔɹfəsəs/ (US) · /mˌɛtəmˈɔːfəsˌɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/metamorphosis
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. biological development

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the process where an animal's body changes completely as it grows, such as a tadpole becoming a frog.

For teachers: the biological process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure.

- The children watched the metamorphosis of the caterpillars into beautiful monarch butterflies.
- In many insect species, metamorphosis involves a complete pupal stage where the larval tissues are entirely reorganised into adult structures.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' to describe the subject and 'into' to describe the result.

### 2. change in character

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Literary

a major change in the appearance, character, or circumstances of a person or thing.

For teachers: a marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function within a non-biological context.

- After his year abroad, he underwent a complete metamorphosis and became much more confident.
- The city has undergone a stunning metamorphosis from a decaying industrial hub into a vibrant centre for technology and the arts.

### 3. magical transformation

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a change in form brought about by magic or supernatural power.

For teachers: a transformation of a person or object into a different shape or entity through supernatural or mythological means.

- In the old myths, the goddess caused the hunter's metamorphosis into a deer.
- Ovid's famous poem explores various myths of metamorphosis, where humans are transformed into animals or plants by the whims of the gods.

## Examples

- The caterpillar begins its metamorphosis inside a cocoon.
- The city underwent a complete metamorphosis over the decade, transforming from a quiet port into a bustling tech hub.
- In Ovid's poetry, metamorphosis serves as a recurring motif where physical transformation reflects the internal psychological state or the divine whims of the gods.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.