Definition

1. Verb:
   • To change completely in form, structure, or substance, especially into a different and often more complex or beautiful form: This is the core meaning, describing a profound and often magical or natural transformation.
   • To undergo a marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function: It implies a fundamental alteration, not a superficial one.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Transitive): To cause something to change form.
  • The artist's vision can metamorphose a lump of clay into a beautiful sculpture.
  • Pressure and heat over millennia metamorphose limestone into marble.
• Verb (Intransitive): To undergo a complete change oneself. Often used with "into."
  • A caterpillar will eventually metamorphose into a butterfly.
  • The quiet village had metamorphosed into a bustling tourist town.

Advanced Usage

• In Literature and Mythology: Used to describe magical or fantastical transformations.
  • In the myth, the goddess metamorphosed the hunter into a stag.
• In Personal or Abstract Contexts: Describing a profound personal or conceptual change.
  • After his travels, his perspective on life metamorphosed completely.
  • The simple idea metamorphosed into a complex business plan.

Variants and Related Words

• Metamorphosis (n): The process or result of metamorphosing.
  • The metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog is fascinating.
• Metamorphic (adj): Relating to or resulting from metamorphosis, especially of rocks.
  • Slate is a metamorphic rock.

Synonyms

• Transform: To change in form, appearance, or structure.
• Transmute: To change in substance or nature (often with a scientific/alchemical nuance).
• Transfigure: To change outward appearance, especially to a more spiritual or beautiful state.

Antonyms

• Stagnate: To remain unchanged.
• Preserve: To maintain in an unchanged state.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To undergo a metamorphosis": This is the most common phrase, emphasizing the process of change.
  • The company had to undergo a complete metamorphosis to survive the digital age.

Verb

1. change in outward structure or looks
   • He transformed into a monster
   • The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly beetle
2. change completely the nature or appearance of
   • In Kafka's story, a person metamorphoses into a bug
   • The treatment and diet transfigured her into a beautiful young woman
   • Jesus was transfigured after his resurrection