Difference Wiki

Transform vs. Transmute

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 21, 2023
Transform generally means to make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. Transmute typically means to change in form, nature, or substance, especially to a higher form.

Key Differences

In everyday language, transform is more commonly used to describe changes in appearance or form, as it is a more versatile and inclusive term, allowing for a variety of applications in different contexts. It can describe alterations in states, structures, appearances, or characters, allowing broad interpretations and usages. Transmute, on the other hand, is less commonly used in daily conversations, being more specific and restrictive, often reserved for more esoteric or specialized discussions related to fundamental and substantial alterations, reflecting rarity and specificity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
The versatility of the term transform can be observed in its application across various disciplines such as mathematics, biology, and technology, where it can denote changes in shapes, structures, or states. It emphasizes adaptability and flexibility in application. Transmute is more stringent in its usage, often associated with alchemical or metaphysical discussions, symbolizing refinement and elevation, marking a transition from a lower to a higher, more refined state.
Samantha Walker
Sep 21, 2023
Transform typically denotes a marked change in form, nature, or appearance. It can refer to alterations that are both substantial and cosmetic, implying metamorphosis or alteration without the necessity of substantial essence alteration. For instance, caterpillars transform into butterflies, showcasing a drastic change in appearance and abilities. Transmute, however, often carries a sense of changing into a higher or better form, with a focus on essence or substance alteration, generally inferring an improvement or elevation. Alchemists, historically, sought to transmute base metals into gold, denoting a change in substance and value.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Transform can be applied broadly, denoting changes that can be either reversible or irreversible, temporary or permanent. It can relate to alterations in physical states, shapes, and character, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability. Transmute emphasizes a more profound level of change, often irreversible and permanent, leaning towards a change in nature, essence, or substance, usually from a lower to a higher form. It is often used to convey changes that are more mystical or fundamental, reflecting depth and permanence in alteration.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Comparison Chart

Focus

Form, Appearance, or Character
Substance, Essence, or Nature
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Sep 21, 2023

Nature of Change

Can be reversible or irreversible
Typically irreversible
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Sep 21, 2023
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Usage

Broader and more common
Specific and less common
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Sep 21, 2023

Connotation

Neutral, can imply improvement or alteration
Positive, usually implies improvement or elevation
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Sep 21, 2023

Application

Various disciplines and everyday language
More esoteric or specialized discussions
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Transform and Transmute Definitions

Transform

To change into another substance or state.
The magician claimed he could transform a piece of coal into a diamond.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023

Transmute

To change from one nature, substance, form, or condition into another.
The goal of alchemists was to transmute base metals into gold.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Transform

To make a dramatic change in direction or approach.
The company decided to transform its business model to adapt to market changes.
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Sep 21, 2023
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Transmute

To change in a mystical or magical manner.
Some legends tell of sorcerers who could transmute themselves into animals.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023

Transform

To perform a mathematical transformation.
We can transform the equation to simplify it.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Transmute

To alter the fundamental elements or properties of.
He managed to transmute his experiences into a bestselling novel.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023

Transform

To change in form, appearance, or structure.
The caterpillar will eventually transform into a beautiful butterfly.
Samantha Walker
Sep 21, 2023

Transmute

To elevate in degree or quality.
Hard work can transmute failure into success.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Transform

To change markedly the appearance or form of
"A thick, fibrous fog had transformed the trees into ghosts and the streetlights into soft, haloed moons" (David Michael Kaplan).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
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Transmute

To change from one form, nature, substance, or state into another; transform
Alchemists tried to transmute lead into gold.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To change the nature, function, or condition of; convert
A steam engine transforms heat into mechanical energy.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transmute

To undergo transmutation.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(Mathematics) To subject to a transformation.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transmute

(ambitransitive) To change, transform or convert one thing to another, or from one state or form to another.
The alchemists tried to transmute base metals to gold.
Did the base metals transmute to gold?
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(Electricity) To subject to the action of a transformer.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transmute

To change from one nature, form, or substance, into another; to transform.
The caresses of parents and the blandishments of friends transmute us into idols.
Transmuting sorrow into golden joyFree from alloy.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(Genetics) To subject (a cell) to transformation.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transmute

Alter the nature of (elements)
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To undergo a transformation.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transmute

Change in outward structure or looks;
He transformed into a monster
The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly beetle
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

The result, especially a mathematical quantity or linguistic construction, of a transformation.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transmute

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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(transitive) To change greatly the appearance or form of.
The alchemists sought to transform lead into gold.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(transitive) To change the nature, condition or function of; to change in nature, disposition, heart, character, etc.; to convert.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To subject to a transformation; to change into another form without altering the value.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To subject to the action of a transformer.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To subject (a cell) to transformation.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(intransitive) To undergo a transformation; to change in appearance or character.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(analysis) An operation (often an integration) that converts one function into another.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

(by extension) A function so produced.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

A transform fault.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To change the form of; to change in shape or appearance; to metamorphose; as, a caterpillar is ultimately transformed into a butterfly.
Love may transform me to an oyster.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To change into another substance; to transmute; as, the alchemists sought to transform lead into gold.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To change in nature, disposition, heart, character, or the like; to convert.
Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To change, as an algebraic expression or geometrical figure, into another from without altering its value.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To be changed in form; to be metamorphosed.
His hair transforms to down.
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

Subject to a mathematical transformation
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

Change in outward structure or looks;
He transformed into a monster
The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly beetle
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023

Transform

Change from one form or medium into another;
Braque translated collage into oil
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

Convert (one form of energy) to another;
Transform energy to light
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

Change (a bacterial cell) into a genetically distinct cell by the introduction of DNA from another cell of the same or closely related species
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

Increase or decrease (an alternating current or voltage)
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Jan 21, 2023

Transform

To change in condition, nature, or character.
Education has the power to transform lives.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

FAQs

Is transmute commonly used in everyday language?

No, transmute is less common and is often used for more specialized or esoteric discussions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

What does transform imply?

Transform implies a change in form, appearance, or character, which can be either substantial or cosmetic.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Can transform refer to a temporary change?

Yes, transform can refer to changes that are either temporary or permanent.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Is the change implied by transmute reversible?

Typically, transmute implies an irreversible and fundamental change.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023

Is transmute related to alchemy?

Yes, transmute is often associated with alchemical processes, like turning base metals into gold.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023

Can transmute imply a mystical or magical change?

Yes, transmute can imply changes that are mystical or magical in nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Can transmute refer to changes in condition or state?

Yes, transmute can refer to changes in condition, state, form, or nature.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023

Can transform be used in mathematical contexts?

Yes, transform is used in mathematics to describe alterations in equations or functions.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023

Does transform always imply a dramatic change?

Not necessarily; transform can imply changes that are either subtle or dramatic.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Can transform imply a change in essence or nature?

Yes, but it is more commonly used to denote changes in form, appearance, or character.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Is the use of transform limited to specific disciplines?

No, transform is a versatile term used across various disciplines and in everyday language.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023

Does transmute imply improvement or elevation?

Yes, transmute often implies changing to a higher or better form.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023

Is transform more inclusive than transmute?

Yes, transform is a more inclusive and broadly applied term compared to transmute.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023

Does transmute always involve a change in substance?

Typically, transmute involves a change in substance, essence, or nature.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023

Is transform a neutral term?

Yes, transform is generally neutral, emphasizing alteration without a value judgment.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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