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transform

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈtɹænsfɔɹm// trans·form Academic General-service

v. to change the form, look, or character of something completely. You use this when the change is very big and makes the thing much better or very different.

v. to undergo or cause a complete change in form, appearance, or character. Often implies a significant improvement or a fundamental shift in nature.


SIMPLE

The new paint will transform the dark room into a bright space.

CONTEXTUAL

The city plans to transform the old industrial waterfront into a public park with walking trails and gardens.

COMPLEX

Digital technologies continue to transform the way we communicate, effectively dissolving geographical barriers that once dictated the pace of global commerce and personal interaction.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English transformen, from Old French transformer, from Latin transformo, transformare, from trans (“across”, preposition) + forma (“form”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and typically takes the preposition 'into' to indicate the resulting state.

Pitfall

The caterpillar transformed to a butterfly.The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.Transform requires the preposition 'into' when describing the result of the change.

Idioms1 entry

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