Is metamorphose a common word in everyday English?

No, it is fairly formal and less common than transform or change.

Can I use metamorphose for people?

Yes, but it sounds literary. It often describes a big life or personality change.

What is the difference between metamorphose and transform?

Metamorphose sounds more dramatic and formal. Transform is more common in general English.

← Dictionary

metamorphose

/ˌmet.əˈmɔː.fəʊz/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To change completely in form, appearance, or character. It is often used for slow, major change, especially in writing or formal speech.

The village has metamorphosed over ten years.
Her idea metamorphosed into a business plan.
The city metamorphosed after the new railway opened.

Adinary Nuance

Metamorphose is stronger and more formal than change or become. It suggests a deep, striking transformation, not a small or ordinary one. Writers often choose it for dramatic or visual change, while transform is more common in everyday English.

In other languages

Vietnamese: biến đổi
Spanish: transformarse
Chinese: 蜕变
Japanese: 変身する
Korean: 변형되다

Etymology

From Greek metamorphoun, meaning “to transform.” It came into English through Latin and French in the 16th century.

Common phrases

metamorphose intometamorphose from...into...metamorphose over time

Synonyms

transform convert change

Related words

metamorphosis morph evolve transfigure

Frequently asked questions

Is metamorphose a common word in everyday English?: No, it is fairly formal and less common than transform or change.
Can I use metamorphose for people?: Yes, but it sounds literary. It often describes a big life or personality change.
What is the difference between metamorphose and transform?: Metamorphose sounds more dramatic and formal. Transform is more common in general English.