transfiguration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Literary/Religious
Quick answer
What does “transfiguration” mean?
A complete transformation of appearance or form into something more beautiful or spiritual.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A complete transformation of appearance or form into something more beautiful or spiritual.
In Christian theology, the event where Jesus' appearance became radiantly glorious on a mountain; more broadly, any metamorphosis that reveals a higher, divine, or glorified state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical. The capitalised form 'Transfiguration' is universally used for the Biblical event.
Connotations
Identical religious/literary connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “transfiguration” in a Sentence
transfiguration of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., transfiguration of the landscape)undergo a transfigurationexperience transfigurationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transfiguration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artist sought to transfigure the bleak urban scene into a vision of hope.
- He felt transfigured by the profound experience.
American English
- The sunrise transfigured the canyon walls into gold.
- Her leadership transfigured the company's culture.
adverb
British English
- The light shone transfiguringly through the stained glass.
- (This form is exceptionally rare and highly literary.)
American English
- (Extremely rare; not standard usage.)
adjective
British English
- The transfigured countenance of the saint was depicted in the mosaic.
- They witnessed a transfigured landscape after the storm passed.
American English
- He had a transfigured look of peace after his meditation.
- The transfigured data revealed new patterns for the researchers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, literary, or philosophical discussions about radical change or revelation.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound formal or poetic.
Technical
Not used in scientific or technical fields (unlike 'transformation').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transfiguration”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transfiguration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transfiguration”
- Using it to mean a simple or practical change (e.g., 'the transfiguration of our office layout').
- Misspelling as 'transfiguration' or 'transfiguration'.
- Using it without the capital 'T' when referring specifically to the Biblical event.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Transformation' is a general term for any change in form or nature. 'Transfiguration' is more specific, implying a glorious, spiritual, or radiant change that reveals a higher, often divine, truth or beauty.
Only when it refers specifically to the Biblical event of Jesus Christ's transformation on the mountain (the Feast of the Transfiguration). In a general, literary sense, it is not capitalised.
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is primarily used in religious, literary, or poetic contexts and is rarely heard in everyday conversation.
The related verb is 'transfigure'. 'Transfiguration' is almost exclusively a noun. Using 'transfiguration' as a verb (e.g., 'to transfiguration something') is incorrect.
A complete transformation of appearance or form into something more beautiful or spiritual.
Transfiguration is usually formal/literary/religious in register.
Transfiguration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtræns.fɪɡ.əˈreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtræns.fɪɡ.jəˈreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word; it is often used in its literal sense.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'figure' inside 'transfiguration'—it's about changing your figure or form into a glorious one.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS REVELATION / THE INNER IS THE TRUE FORM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'transfiguration' MOST appropriately used?