Word
mutate
Phoneticsmu·tate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmjuˌteɪt/
UK/mjuːtˈeɪt/
Definition
v. to change into a new form in a deep or lasting way, often because genes change. You use it when a living thing or virus becomes different over time.
v. to undergo or cause a lasting change in genetic structure or essential form. Extends from biology to any fundamental transformation in character or shape.
Examples
“Viruses mutate quickly in crowded places.”
“The flu virus can mutate each winter, so doctors update the vaccine.”
“After decades of isolation, the island plants had mutated into distinct forms with thicker leaves and deeper roots.”
Examples
simple
“Viruses mutate quickly in crowded places.”
contextual
“The flu virus can mutate each winter, so doctors update the vaccine.”
complex
“After decades of isolation, the island plants had mutated into distinct forms with thicker leaves and deeper roots.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mutate” in context.
Verb
01. mutate cell
“The chemical can mutate cells in the laboratory for research.”
verb + noun
02. mutate dna
“UV light can mutate DNA in skin cells and trigger melanoma.”
verb + noun
03. mutate gene
“Radiation can mutate genes and increase the risk of cancer.”
verb + noun
04. mutate strain
“Scientists fear pollution could mutate strains of common fungi.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. constantly mutate
“HIV is difficult to treat because it can constantly mutate.”
adv + verb
06. naturally mutate
“Bacteria will naturally mutate over time to survive antibiotics.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. ability to mutate
“The virus's ability to mutate makes it hard to eradicate.”
noun + prep + verb
08. continue to mutate rapidly
“Even after the peak, the virus will continue to mutate rapidly.”
09. mutate beyond recognition
“Over decades, the genetic code could mutate beyond recognition.”
10. mutate into a new strain
“Researchers fear the virus could mutate into a new strain this winter.”
11. mutate to evade immunity
“The pathogen mutated to evade immunity from prior infections.”
12. mutate to resist treatment
“Some tumours mutate to resist treatment and continue growing.”
Usage
Used both intransitively and transitively; takes a direct object when describing a caused change.
Real-World Examples
“With the arrival of the internet, however, memes have become a more tangible phenomenon that can be observed as they grow, spread and mutate.” “The emergence of this new variant – which is estimated to be 50-75% more transmissible than the original Covid-19 virus – along with others now being detected such as the South African and Brazilian variants, has shone a spotlight on how the coronavirus is mutating as the pandemic rumbles on.” “The Ebola virus that devastated parts of West Africa over the past year did not mutate at a faster rate than in previous outbreaks, according to an international study published on Wednesday.” “A seasonal flu virus suddenly mutated in the summer.” Etymology
First attested in 1796; back-formation from mutation on the basis of -ate (verb-forming suffix), ultimately from Latin mūtō (“to exchange; to change, to vary”). Doublet of moult.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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