Definition

1. Noun:
   • A complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state: The act of transforming something or someone so as to exalt, glorify, or make them more splendid.
   • A striking and often positive change in appearance, character, or circumstances: A dramatic metamorphosis.
   • (Christianity, capitalized) A specific event in the Gospels: The sudden emanation of radiance from the person of Jesus Christ on a mountain, witnessed by three apostles.
   • (Christianity, capitalized) A church festival: A feast day held in commemoration of the Transfiguration of Jesus, observed on August 6th in many churches.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The renovation led to the transfiguration of the dusty attic into a bright studio.
  • Her success brought about a personal transfiguration, filling her with confidence.
  • The Feast of the Transfiguration is an important day in the Christian calendar.
  • In the Bible, the Transfiguration revealed Christ's divine glory to Peter, James, and John.

Advanced Usage

• "Transfiguration of the commonplace": A phrase used in art and philosophy to describe the process where ordinary objects or situations are elevated to the level of art or profound meaning.
  • The poet's genius lies in the transfiguration of the commonplace into the eternal.

Variants and Related Words

• Transfigure (verb): To change the outward form or appearance of, especially to a more glorious or spiritual state.
  • Love seemed to transfigure his face.
• Transfigurative (adjective): Having the quality of transfiguration.
  • The lighting created a transfigurative effect on the scene.

Synonyms

• Transformation: A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
• Metamorphosis: A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.
• Glorification: The action of describing or representing something as admirable, especially unjustifiably.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of transfiguration involves a change that is not merely physical but often carries connotations of elevation, enlightenment, or glorification. While it can describe any striking change, its most specific and profound uses are in spiritual, religious, and artistic contexts. The capitalized forms (Transfiguration) refer exclusively to the Christian event and its related feast.

Noun

1. the act of transforming so as to exalt or glorify
2. a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances
   • the metamorphosis of the old house into something new and exciting
3. (New Testament) the sudden emanation of radiance from the person of Jesus
4. (Christianity) a church festival held in commemoration of the Transfiguration of Jesus