Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Transmute: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：change into another substance (transmute)

transmute 🔊

/trænzˈmjuːt/

To change one substance or form of energy into another completely different one, often through a special process.

Transmute diagram showing plastic bottles transforming into biofuel droplets

change into another substance 🔊

➕

/tʃeɪndʒ ˈɪntu əˈnʌðər ˈsʌbstəns/

To alter the nature of a substance or energy into a completely different one, typically through a scientific or special process.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'transmutare' (trans- 'across' + mutare 'to change'), meaning to change across forms.

💡 Mnemonic

Trans (across) + mute (change) = change across, like transforming one thing into another.

📖 Example

Scientists are working on technology to transmute plastic waste into clean fuel. 🔊 This illustrates how technology can convert plastic waste into clean fuel.

🔗 Collocations

transmute into – to change into a different form

transmute from – to change from an original state

transmute through alchemy – to change using ancient mystical processes

🔄 Synonyms

transform (v.) – to change in form or appearance

convert (v.) – to change from one form to another

alter (v.) – to make different without completely changing

🚫 Antonyms

preserve (v.) – to maintain in original state

maintain (v.) – to keep unchanged

🌱 Derivatives

transmutation (n.) – the process of transmuting

transmutable (adj.) – capable of being transmuted

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'transmutare', used in medieval alchemy for turning base metals into gold. Now common in science for element transformation and metaphorically for profound change.

Meaning 2：transform fundamentally (transmute)

transmute 🔊

/trænzˈmjuːt/

To cause something (like an emotion, idea, or role) to change in a deep and fundamental way, often into a better or entirely new state.

Transmute illustration of a person transforming from nervous to confident speaker

transform fundamentally 🔊

➕

/trænsˈfɔːrm ˌfʌndəˈmentəli/

To cause a deep and essential change in emotions, ideas, or roles, often resulting in an improved or entirely new state.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Over the years, her childhood fear of public speaking was transmuted into a powerful confidence on stage. 🔊 This shows how a person's fear can be changed into confidence over time.

🔗 Collocations

transmute fear into courage – to change fear into bravery

transmute ideas into actions – to change thoughts into deeds

transmute through experience – to change as a result of life events

🔄 Synonyms

metamorphose (v.) – to undergo a complete change in form or nature

transfigure (v.) – to change outward appearance dramatically

evolve (v.) – to develop gradually into a different form

🚫 Antonyms

stagnate (v.) – to remain unchanged and inactive

persist (v.) – to continue unchanged