What does transfigure mean?
Transfigure means to transform something in a striking, beautiful, or elevated way. It is more than a synonym for an ordinary change: the word often suggests that the original form or character has been revealed or remade on a higher level. In religious contexts, it can describe a supernatural change in appearance, especially when associated with the biblical Transfiguration, in which Jesus appears in divine glory before his disciples. Modern writers use transfigure figuratively for artistic, emotional, or spiritual changes that make something seem radiant or almost otherworldly. Because it is literary and relatively uncommon, it gives sentences a formal or elevated tone. It should not be confused with disfigure, which means to spoil appearance, or used as a simple, neutral substitute for transform when no special nuance is intended.
verbTo change the form, appearance, or character of something, especially in a way that makes it more beautiful, elevated, or spiritual. It can also refer to a profound or miraculous transformation.
- To change the form, appearance, or character of something, especially so that it becomes more beautiful or elevated.
- To undergo or represent a profound spiritual or divine transformation.
"The artist's skill transfigured the neglected courtyard into a place of beauty."
"The artist's skill transfigured the neglected courtyard into a place of beauty."
"In theological language, divine glory transfigures the human form."
A word for transformation with a heavenly glow: it can describe an ordinary thing becoming beautiful, and it echoes the biblical Transfiguration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of transfigure
Transfigure comes from Latin transfigurare, formed from trans- and figurare, “to shape” or “form.” Latin figura itself gave English figure and also underlies related words such as figurative, configure, and disfigure. English acquired transfigure in the early 17th century, initially in religious language, and its modern literary sense developed from that association with transformation and beauty.
Related word forms
How transfigure is actually used
Transfigure is literary and relatively uncommon. It is more elevated and often more suggestive of beauty, dignity, or spiritual transformation than the neutral verb transform.
Easily confused with transfigure
Transform is the broader, more usual word for changing something, while transfigure often suggests an especially beautiful, profound, or spiritual change.
Disfigure means to spoil or distort appearance, whereas transfigure usually implies a transformation that elevates or beautifies.