metamorphose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary, scientific/biological; rare in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “metamorphose” mean?
to change completely in form or nature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to change completely in form or nature; to undergo a striking transformation.
Used in biology to describe the physical transformation of certain animals (e.g., caterpillar to butterfly); metaphorically used for any profound, often surprising, change in character, appearance, or function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more prevalent in literary contexts in BrE; biological use is standard in both.
Connotations
Carries a formal, somewhat scholarly or poetic weight in both varieties.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions. More likely encountered in academic, literary, or scientific texts.
Grammar
How to Use “metamorphose” in a Sentence
[Subject] metamorphoses into [Object/State][Agent] metamorphoses [Object] into [New State] (less common, causative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metamorphose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The grub will eventually metamorphose into a winged adult.
- Under pressure, their tentative agreement metamorphosed into a firm contract.
- The derelict warehouse district has been metamorphosing into a vibrant cultural quarter.
American English
- The tadpoles metamorphose into frogs within weeks.
- Her grief slowly metamorphosed into a determined passion for advocacy.
- The quiet bookshop metamorphosed into a bustling community hub.
adverb
British English
- (Note: No direct adverb from 'metamorphose'. 'Metamorphically' is extremely rare and not standard.)
American English
- (Note: No direct adverb from 'metamorphose'. Use phrases like 'in a metamorphic way' or 'through metamorphosis'.)
adjective
British English
- The metamorphic process in geology involves rock transformation.
- (Note: 'metamorphic' is the related adjective; 'metamorphose' is not used as an adjective.)
American English
- The metamorphic life cycle of insects is fascinating.
- (Note: 'metamorphic' is the related adjective; 'metamorphose' is not used as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for a company radically rebranding or pivoting its core model: 'The startup metamorphosed from a simple app into a full-service platform.'
Academic
Common in biology (zoology) and literature. In literary criticism: 'The protagonist's experiences in the war metamorphose his worldview.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound formal or humorous: 'My quiet uncle has metamorphosed into a karaoke fanatic since his retirement.'
Technical
Standard term in entomology, herpetology, etc., for developmental stages (e.g., tadpoles metamorphose into frogs).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metamorphose”
- Using it for minor changes ('My hairstyle metamorphosed' is overkill).
- Misspelling: 'metamorphosize' is a non-standard, chiefly US, variant.
- Incorrect preposition: 'metamorphose to' (less common than 'metamorphose into').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Metamorphose' implies a profound, complete, and often surprising transformation in fundamental nature or form, whereas 'change' is a general, neutral term.
Yes, but it's stylistic and formal. It's used for dramatic, radical transformations of a company's model, image, or structure, not for routine adjustments.
The primary noun is 'metamorphosis' (plural: metamorphoses).
It is a chiefly North American, informal, and non-standard variant of 'metamorphose'. It is best avoided in formal writing.
to change completely in form or nature.
Metamorphose is usually formal, literary, scientific/biological; rare in casual conversation. in register.
Metamorphose: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdəˈmɔːrfoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a strong idiom carrier]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'META' (meaning change, as in metaphysics) + 'MORPH' (shape/form, as in morphology) + 'OSE' (verb ending). So, 'to change shape/form'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS A PHYSICAL TRANSFORMATION / LIFE IS A CYCLE OF METAMORPHOSES.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'metamorphose' LEAST appropriate?