metamorphosis

/ˌmetəˈmɔːfəsɪs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmetəˈmɔːrfəsɪs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs/ (ame, mw)

metamorphosis — noun

  • metamorphosissingular
  • metamorphosesplural

1. the biological process in which certain animals, such as butterflies or frogs, c

1.名詞C1
釋義

the biological process in which certain animals, such as butterflies or frogs, change their body shape in clear stages as they grow from a young form into an adult.

例句

Joon's class watched a caterpillar slowly complete its metamorphosis into a butterfly.

metamorphosis into [adult form]

Frogs go through a striking metamorphosis from tadpole to four-legged adult.

metamorphosis from X to Y pattern

同義詞
  • transformation

    more general; not restricted to biology

  • metamorphism

    geology term for rock change — do not confuse with metamorphosis

文法句型

metamorphosis from X to/into Y

undergo metamorphosis

用法筆記

Subject is typically an insect or amphibian. Distinguish from sense 2 — this sense names a specific developmental biological process, not a general change.

常見錯誤

❌The plant went through a metamorphosis when it grew flowers.
✅The plant changed when it grew flowers.
💡botanical growth is not called metamorphosis; the word is used for animals like insects and amphibians.

2. a striking and often surprising change in someone's appearance, character, or si

2.名詞C1
釋義

a striking and often surprising change in someone's appearance, character, or situation, so that they seem like a different person or thing.

例句

After three years in Berlin, Hugo's metamorphosis from shy student to bold artist amazed his family.

metamorphosis from X to Y for personal change

The old factory's metamorphosis into a bright community library took the city two years.

metamorphosis into [new form] for places

同義詞
  • transformation

    neutral, very common; metamorphosis is more vivid and formal

  • makeover

    informal; usually about appearance or style, often short-term

  • conversion

    emphasises change of purpose or function, especially of objects or buildings

反義詞

文法句型

metamorphosis from X into/to Y

a metamorphosis in [thing]

用法筆記

Often used to describe transformations that surprise or impress observers. Distinguish from sense 1 — this is a figurative use for people, places, or situations, not the biological developmental process.

常見錯誤

❌There was a small metamorphosis in his mood after lunch.
✅There was a slight change in his mood after lunch.
💡metamorphosis implies a major, often dramatic shift, not a minor one.