metamorphoses: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Academic (Biology/Literature)
Quick answer
What does “metamorphoses” mean?
A profound change in form, structure, character, or appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A profound change in form, structure, character, or appearance; a transformation.
In biology, the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages (e.g., caterpillar to butterfly). In a broader context, any marked or significant change in nature, condition, or function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with classical mythology (Ovid's 'Metamorphoses') and biological processes in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, primarily encountered in academic, literary, or scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metamorphoses” in a Sentence
X undergoes a metamorphosis (into Y)X experiences a metamorphosisthe metamorphosis of X (into Y)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metamorphoses” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The concept metamorphoses throughout the novel.
- The tadpole slowly metamorphoses into a frog.
American English
- The startup metamorphosed into a major corporation.
- The narrative metamorphoses in the final act.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form. Use 'metamorphic' for rocks or 'transformative' for change.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival form. Use 'metamorphic' for rocks or 'transformative' for change.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing a radical strategic or structural change in a company.
Academic
Central term in literary studies (Ovid) and biology (entomology, herpetology).
Everyday
Rare. Used for dramatic personal changes or nature documentaries.
Technical
Specific biological process (e.g., holometabolous metamorphosis in insects).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metamorphoses”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metamorphoses”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metamorphoses”
- Using it for minor changes (incorrect: 'The metamorphosis in the schedule was minor.').
- Misspelling: 'metamorphisis', 'metamophosis'.
- Incorrect plural: 'metamorphosises'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it is the precise biological term for their development, it is widely used metaphorically for any profound, structural change in person, organization, society, or idea.
'Metamorphosis' often implies a natural, inherent, or almost magical process with distinct stages (like a caterpillar in a chrysalis). 'Transformation' is more general and can be applied to any complete change, including those driven by external, deliberate forces.
The final syllable is pronounced '-seez' (/siːz/). It is not pronounced like 'metamorphosis' with an 's' sound at the end.
Yes, when referring to a single instance or process of change (e.g., 'She experienced a personal metamorphosis'). The plural 'metamorphoses' is used for multiple distinct transformations.
A profound change in form, structure, character, or appearance.
Metamorphoses is usually formal, literary, academic (biology/literature) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is often used in metaphorical contexts, e.g., 'the company's metamorphosis from a startup to a global player']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a META-MORPH (a changed shape) on a sofa (SOFA-SEES). "The meta-morph on the sofa sees its own change."
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A METAMORPHOSIS (a journey of successive transformations).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metamorphosis' used in its most precise, technical sense?