Transformation

Definition

Transformation refers to a marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃən/
• Respelling: trans-fur-MAY-shuhn (with "trans" as in "transmit," "fur" as in "fur," and "MAY-shuhn" rhyming with "station")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃn/
• Respelling: trans-fuh-MAY-shn (similar to American English, with "trans" as in "transmit," "fuh" as a shorter version of "fur," and "MAY-shn" as in "station" but with a shorter final syllable)

In both dialects, "transformation" is pronounced with stress on the "MAY" syllable. The word starts with "trans," followed by "fur" or "fuh," and ends with "MAY-shuhn" or "MAY-shn," with the primary difference being in the length of the final syllable, which tends to be shorter in British English.

Etymology

The word "transformation" is derived from the Latin "transformare," which means "to change in shape." Here, "trans-" stands for "across" or "beyond," and "-formare" is related to "forma," meaning "form" or "shape."

Derivatives

• Transform
• Transformer
• Transformative
• Transformational
• Transforming

Synonyms

• Metamorphosis
• Alteration
• Change

Antonyms

• Stasis
• Constancy
• Stability

Usage

• "The caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly is a marvel of nature."
• "The city underwent a massive transformation with the new infrastructure projects."

Related Terms

• Convert
• Modify
• Evolve
• Shift
• Revolutionize

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Change in Form or Appearance: A marked change in the form or appearance of someone or something.
• Example: The old train station's transformation into a modern shopping complex surprised everyone.

• Alteration in Nature or Character: A profound change in the nature, character, or function of something, often for the better.
• Example: The transformation of the company's ethos under the new CEO led to its rapid growth.

• Mathematics: In mathematics, a transformation refers to a process by which one figure, expression, or function becomes another, often through a specific operation or set of operations.
• Example: The linear transformation of a vector space can be represented using matrices.

• Genetics: The introduction of a foreign gene or genes into a cell or organism, resulting in a genetic modification.
• Example: Bacterial transformation is a standard laboratory technique to introduce plasmid DNA into bacteria.