transfigure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency; literary/formal)Literary, formal, religious, poetic.
Quick answer
What does “transfigure” mean?
to change the outward form or appearance of something, especially in a way that makes it more beautiful or spiritual.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to change the outward form or appearance of something, especially in a way that makes it more beautiful or spiritual; to transform into something more noble or elevated.
It often implies a complete and profound change, not just superficial, suggesting a metamorphosis that reveals a higher or hidden nature. In religious contexts, it refers to a divine change in appearance (e.g., the Transfiguration of Jesus).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or frequency. Both varieties treat it as a high-register, literary word.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British literary or academic texts due to historical corpus influences, but the difference is minimal.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, perhaps marginally higher in UK religious contexts (Anglican liturgy).
Grammar
How to Use “transfigure” in a Sentence
[transitive] Subject + transfigure + Object (The sunset transfigured the valley.)[intransitive/passive] Subject + be transfigured + (into + complement) (The valley was transfigured into a sea of gold.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transfigure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The evening light transfigured the drab industrial town, gilding the rooftops.
- Her grief was, in time, transfigured into a source of profound compassion.
- The quiet scholar seemed transfigured on stage, becoming a charismatic orator.
American English
- The artist's vision transfigured the scrap metal into a soaring eagle.
- His face was transfigured by a sudden, brilliant smile.
- The simple melody was transfigured by the orchestra into a majestic symphony.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare. 'Transfiguringly' is theoretically possible but not in use.]
American English
- [Extremely rare. Not used.]
adjective
British English
- The transfigured landscape seemed almost alien in its beauty.
- He spoke with a transfigured intensity that captivated the audience.
American English
- She had a transfigured look about her, as if she'd seen a miracle.
- The transfigured data revealed patterns no one had anticipated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, theology, philosophy, and art history to denote a profound symbolic or spiritual change.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound excessively formal or poetic.
Technical
Not used in STEM fields. Limited to humanities.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transfigure”
- Using it for negative transformations ('The war transfigured the city into ruins.' - INCORRECT).
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'change'.
- Misspelling as 'transfigurate' or 'transfigurize'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both mean to change form, 'transfigure' implies a change that reveals a higher, more glorious, or spiritual state. 'Transform' is neutral and can be used in any context (e.g., transform a room, transform a business).
Almost never. Its core meaning is positively charged, involving beautification, glorification, or spiritual elevation. Using it for negative change is a stylistic error.
Transfiguration (e.g., The Transfiguration of Christ, the transfiguration of the landscape).
No. It is a high-register, literary word. Learners at B2 level and above should understand it, but only advanced (C1/C2) users will need to actively use it, and even then sparingly.
to change the outward form or appearance of something, especially in a way that makes it more beautiful or spiritual.
Transfigure is usually literary, formal, religious, poetic. in register.
Transfigure: in British English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɪɡ.ər/ /trɑːns-/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɪɡ.jɚ/ /trænz-/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is used in figurative/literary expressions.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TRANS' (change) + 'FIGURE' (form/appearance). Imagine a plain clay FIGURE undergoing a TRANSformation into a radiant golden statue.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS A REVELATION OF TRUE FORM. THE PHYSICAL WORLD IS A VEIL OVER A SPIRITUAL REALITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'transfigure' used MOST appropriately?