mutated

/mjuːˈteɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [mjˈutˌetɪd] /mjuːˈteɪt/ (ame, ipa)

mutated — verb

  • mutatedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • mutateds3rd person singular
  • mutateding-ing form
  • mutatededpast simple

1. to permanently alter the DNA of a living organism, leading to new physical trait

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to permanently alter the DNA of a living organism, leading to new physical traits; the change may occur on its own or be caused by chemicals or radiation

例句

The virus mutated over time, which made the vaccine far less effective.

virus + mutate + over time — common in news about diseases

Scientists discovered that the bacteria had mutated into a strain resistant to several drugs.

mutate into [new form] — bacteria, viruses

同義詞
  • evolve

    suggests gradual change across many generations through natural selection, not a single genetic event

  • change

    a general term that lacks the specific genetic or biological meaning of mutate

  • alter

    can describe any modification; does not carry the sense of permanent DNA-level change

文法句型

mutate (into + new form)

mutate (from + original state)

be mutated by + agent

用法筆記

Subject is typically a virus, gene, cell, bacterium, or organism. The transitive form ('mutate something' or 'be mutated by something') is less common and usually appears in scientific writing about radiation or chemicals causing the change.

常見錯誤

❌The virus evolved into a new strain in just one week.
✅The virus mutated into a new strain in just one week.
💡'Evolve' suggests gradual change over many generations; 'mutate' refers to a specific, often sudden genetic alteration.
❌The doctor said the cells evolved.
✅The doctor said the cells had mutated.
💡In medical contexts, 'mutated' is the correct word for genetic change inside a single organism.

2. to turn into a different kind or form of something, often in a surprising or dra

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to turn into a different kind or form of something, often in a surprising or dramatic way

例句

What began as a small disagreement mutated into a bitter legal fight between the neighbours.

mutate into [new form] — abstract change

The old folk tune mutated into a lively pop song heard at summer festivals.

同義詞
  • transform

    suggests a complete change in form or nature, often deliberate; mutate implies a more organic or surprising process

  • evolve

    suggests gradual development over time; mutate can be more sudden

  • morph

    similar in tone but less formal, often used for visual changes rather than abstract ones

反義詞
  • remain

    to stay the same instead of changing

文法句型

mutate into + noun phrase

mutate from + noun phrase into + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often followed by 'into' to indicate the new form. This sense carries a dramatic or surprising tone — it is not used for routine, small, or planned changes.

常見錯誤

❌The company mutated its logo last month.
✅The company changed its logo last month.
💡'Mutate' implies a dramatic or fundamental transformation, not a routine update.