transmute
verb
transitive verb
intransitive verb
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Transmutation changes something over into something else. Thus, a writer may transmute his life into stories or novels, and an arranger might transmute a lively march tune into a quiet lullaby. In the "Myth of Er" at the end of Plato's Republic, for example, human souls are transmuted into the body and existence of their choice. Having learned from their last life what they do not want to be, many choose transmutation into something that seems better. A meek man chooses to be transmuted into a tyrant, a farmer into a dashing (but short-lived) warrior, and so on. But very few seem to have learned anything from their former life that would make their choice a real improvement.
Synonyms
- alchemize
- convert
- make over
- metamorphose
- transfigure
- transform
- transpose
- transubstantiate
Example Sentences
New York Times, 12 May 2020 Similarly, the imperative to invent a vaccine as rapidly as possibly is not dissimilar from the effort at Los Alamos: Both require rapidly transmuting existing scientific knowledge into highly specific and practical technologies. Mark P. Mills, National Review, 29 Apr. 2020 Mysteries, like works of horror, transmute nebulous fears into tangible dangers. Nora Caplan-bricker, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2019 Instead, the hazy hue transmuted a femme fatale makeup staple into something softer and more romantic. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 20 July 2018 Old Dolio's lack of lived experience transmutes into a kind of Buddhist wisdom; the family briefly gets to play-act at normalcy; everyone sees that, in disruptive ways, Melanie is different from them. John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2020 The Lincoln that Trump conjured for this scenario—a bizarre one even by the President’s standards—was transmuted into a leftist-socialist-globalist-radical-Democrat. Sidney Blumenthal, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2019 The other candidates, on the whole, hoped to transmute the lessons about Trump’s character and dishonesty which emerged from the impeachment into material for the campaign trail. Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2019 At best, Maxo rapping about real-life trials and tribulations should be cathartic for both him and the crowd, but too often, the concert alchemy proved too delicate to transmute the experience. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2019 See More Word History
Middle English, from Latin transmutare, from trans- + mutare to change — more at mutable
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Legal Definition
transmute
transitive verb
In re Siddens, 588 N.E.2d 321 (1992)transmute
verb
Synonyms & Similar Words
- transform
- convert
- transfigure
- metamorphose
- alchemize
- rework
- transubstantiate
- transpose
- remodel
- replace
- alter
- adjust
- modify
- recast
- revise
- mutate
- redefine
- redesign
- transmogrify
- deform
- reengineer
- make over
- refashion
- supplant
- distort
- disfigure
- redo
- regenerate
- remake
- substitute
- revamp
- displace
- vary
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of transmute are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, and transmogrify. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.
Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.
The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.
The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.
The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.
While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.