First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
transfigure
transitive verb trans·fig·ure \tran(t)s-ˈfi-gyər, especially British -ˈfi-gər\
: to change the appearance of something or someone
trans·fig·uredtrans·fig·ur·ing
Full Definition of TRANSFIGURE
: to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to : transform outwardly and usually for the better
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Origin of TRANSFIGURE
Middle English, from Anglo-French transfigurer, from Latin transfigurare, from trans- + figurare to shape, fashion, from figura figure
Related to TRANSFIGURE
- Synonyms
- alchemize, make over, metamorphose, convert, transform, transmute, transpose, transubstantiate
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
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