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Mutate Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：undergo genetic change (mutate)
mutate
/ˈmjuːteɪt/
v.
To change into a new and different form, especially in biology where the genes of a living thing change.
undergo genetic change
➕
/ˌʌndərˈɡoʊ dʒəˈnetɪk tʃeɪndʒ/
v.
To undergo a change in the genetic material of an organism, often leading to new traits.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'mutare' (to change) + -ate (verb suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Mute + ate: think of a silent (mute) wolf that ate a radioactive berry and changed form.
📖 Example
Scientists are closely monitoring the flu virus to see if it will mutate into a more dangerous strain this winter.
Scientists are closely monitoring the flu virus to see if it will mutate into a more dangerous strain this winter.
🔗 Collocations
mutate rapidly – to change genes at a fast pace
mutate into a variant – to transform genetically into a new form
gene mutation – the process of genetic change
🔄 Synonyms
evolve (v.) – to develop gradually through genetic changes
change genetically (v.) – to alter the DNA sequence
transmute (v.) – to change in form or nature, often in a scientific context
🚫 Antonyms
remain stable (v.) – to stay unchanged genetically
fix (v.) – to make permanent, not allowing mutation
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
First used in 19th-century biology by Hugo de Vries to describe sudden genetic changes in plants, later popularized in sci-fi for random genetic shifts.
Meaning 2：transform radically (mutate)
mutate
/ˈmjuːteɪt/
v.
To change completely in form, nature, or character, becoming something very different.
transform radically
➕
/trænsˈfɔːrm ˈrædɪkli/
v.
To change completely in form, nature, or character, often in an unexpected or extreme way.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The street fashion trend has completely mutated from minimalist monochrome to bold, clashing patterns and bright colors.
The street fashion trend has completely mutated from minimalist monochrome to bold, clashing patterns and bright colors.
🔗 Collocations
mutate into something new – to change drastically into a different version
mutate beyond recognition – to change so much that the original form is lost
mutate culturally – to shift in societal or artistic expression
🔄 Synonyms
transform (v.) – to make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character
metamorphose (v.) – to change completely in form or nature like a caterpillar into a butterfly
devolve (v.) – to change into a worse or simpler form (often opposite direction)
🚫 Antonyms
remain static (v.) – to stay exactly the same
preserve (v.) – to maintain the original form or character
🌱 Derivatives
mutability (n.) – the quality of being able to change
immutable (adj.) – not subject to change; constant
mutative (adj.) – relating to or causing change
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