transform
gb/tɹˈænsfɔɹm/ us/tɹˈænsfɔɹm/
B1
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Change form or appearance completely
To make something look or be very different.
Usage pattern:
to transform [something] into [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'transform' with 'transfer'; 'transform' means to change form or nature, not to move something from one place to another.
Synonyms
convert (Often used for changing something into a different state or form, sometimes less dramatic than 'transform'.)
|
revolutionize (Implies a very radical and groundbreaking transformation.)
Antonyms
preserve (Means to keep something in its original state rather than changing it.)
|
maintain (Emphasizes keeping things the same rather than altering them.)
Collocations
transform into
|transform completely
|transform dramatically
|transform society
|transform business
Themes
change
|appearance
|development
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new CEO transformed the company into a market leader.
- Exercise has transformed her health and energy levels.
- The old factory was transformed into a museum.
- Digital technology has transformed how we communicate.
- The artist transformed scrap metal into a beautiful sculpture.
Learner examples
- The rain transformed the dry land into green fields.
- She transformed her room with new paint.
- The teacher transformed the lesson into a fun game.
- The city transformed the park with new flowers.
Verb
technical
B2
action
2
Convert data or coordinates
To change numbers, shapes, or data into another form using special rules.
Usage pattern:
to transform [data/coordinates] into [new form]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the everyday meaning of 'transform' and not realize it follows strict mathematical rules.
Synonyms
convert (General term for changing from one form to another, also used in technical contexts.)
|
map (In mathematics, refers specifically to relating one set of values to another.)
Antonyms
retain (Means to keep in the same form without alteration.)
Collocations
transform coordinates
|transform data
|transform function
Themes
science
|mathematics
|technology
Examples
- The program transforms the image data into a compressed format.
- This formula transforms Cartesian coordinates into polar coordinates.
- Fourier transforms are used in signal processing.
Learner examples
- The computer transforms the text into code.
- We can transform the shape by turning it.
- The tool transforms numbers into a graph.
Verb
B1
action
3
Undergo a major change oneself
To become very different in how you look or are.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] transforms into [new state]
Synonyms
evolve (Suggests gradual development rather than sudden change.)
Antonyms
remain the same (Means not undergoing any significant change.)
Collocations
transform oneself
|transform completely
|transform over time
Themes
personal development
|change
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Over the years, he has transformed into a confident public speaker.
- The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
- Her style transformed after she moved to the city.
Learner examples
- The shy boy transformed into a strong leader.
- The small town transformed into a big city.
- The ice transforms into water when it gets warm.
Grammar
Dictionary form
transform
IPA
GB/tɹˈænsfɔɹm/
US/tɹˈænsfɔɹm/
Syllables & stress
trans - form (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (trans)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: transform
- 3rd Person Singular: transforms
- Present Participle: transforming
- Past: transformed
Word family
Forms
transforms
verb
transforming
verb
transformed
verb
Core family
transformation
noun B2
transformative
adjective
Related words
transformer
noun B2
transformable
adjective
Expressions
transform into
1/tɹˈænsfɔɹm ˈɪntu/
fixed phrase
Change completely into something else
To become or make something become something else completely.
Examples
- The old mill was transformed into a luxury hotel.
- The story transforms into a thrilling adventure halfway through.
transform one's life
1/tɹænsfˈɔɹm wˈʌnz lˈaɪf/
fixed phrase
Make big positive life changes
To make your life much better or very different by changing what you do or how you live.
Examples
- Traveling abroad transformed her life in many ways.
- That book transformed my life and career.