Definition

1. Verb:
   • To change in form, appearance, or nature: To cause something to undergo a fundamental change into a different form or substance.
   • To alter the nature of elements: Specifically, to change one element or substance into another, often in a seemingly magical or alchemical way.

Usage and Examples

• Transmute [something]: To change one thing into another.
  • The goal of alchemy was to transmute base metals into gold.
  • The artist sought to transmute his grief into powerful music.
• Transmute into [something]: To be changed or to change into a different form.
  • Over centuries, organic matter can transmute into fossil fuels.
  • In the story, the wizard transmuted the prince into a frog.

Advanced Usage

• Transmutation (n): The process or result of transmuting.
  • The novel explores the transmutation of a selfish man into a compassionate hero.
• Transmutative (adj): Having the power to cause transmutation.
  • The process had a transmutative effect on the material's properties.

Variants and Related Words

• Transform: To change markedly the form or appearance of. (Often used more generally than ).
• Metamorphose: To change completely in form or nature, often in a biological or dramatic context.
• Transubstantiate: To change one substance into another, especially in a theological context (e.g., the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ).

Synonyms

• Convert
• Change
• Transfigure
• Alter

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

• Transmute into: This is the standard construction to indicate the result of the change.
  • The crisis transmuted their fear into decisive action.

Related Idioms

• To transmute lead into gold: Literally, the goal of alchemy; figuratively, to create something of great value from something common or worthless.
  • With her innovative design, she managed to transmute lead into gold, turning scrap material into high-fashion.

Verb

1. alter the nature of (elements)
2. change or alter in form, appearance, or nature
   • This experience transformed her completely
   • She transformed the clay into a beautiful sculpture
   • transubstantiate one element into another
3. change in outward structure or looks
   • He transformed into a monster
   • The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly beetle