Transfigured is a verb that means to change the appearance or form of something or someone. It is pronounced as /trænsˈfɪɡjəd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word begins with the consonant cluster /tr/ followed by the vowel sound /æ/. It then has the nasal consonant /n/, followed by the fricative sound /s/ and the plosive consonant /f/. The word ends with the vowel sound /ɪ/ and the consonants /ɡ/ and /d/. The spelling of "Transfigured" represents this combination of sounds in English.
Transfigured is an adjective that refers to the act of transforming or changing one's appearance, form, or nature in a profound or remarkable way. The term derives from the verb "transfigure," which itself is derived from the Latin words "trans" meaning "across" or "beyond" and "figura" meaning "form" or "shape." Thus, transfigured denotes a state of being that goes beyond ordinary transformation, often involving a radical alteration or metamorphosis.
In a literal sense, transfigured can describe a person or object that has undergone a complete or remarkable physical change. This could involve the alteration of one's appearance, such as through the use of cosmetic surgery or radical styling choices. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe a significant change in a person's character or personality. For example, someone who has overcome a challenging experience and developed a newfound strength or wisdom might be said to have been transfigured by their ordeal.
The term transfigured also has its roots in religious and spiritual contexts, particularly in Christian theology. It refers specifically to the transformative experience of Jesus Christ as described in the biblical narratives of the Transfiguration. According to these accounts, Jesus' appearance underwent a remarkable change in the presence of his disciples, his face shining with divine glory. From this religious perspective, transfigured carries connotations of a divine or supernatural transformation, imbuing the term with spiritual and mystical significance.
The word "transfigure" originates from the Latin term "transfigurare", which is derived from two Latin roots: "trans", meaning "across" or "beyond", and "figura", meaning "form" or "shape". Together, the word "transfigurare" signifies a change in form or appearance. Transfigure was later adapted into English, retaining the same meaning of transforming or changing in appearance or form.