transform

Where does the word "transform" come from? It comes from Latin forma, passing through Latin and Old French before entering English (1400s).

Transform’s story begins in Latin: forma meant “shape, mold.” Shape, mold, combined with trans- (across). Within Latin, it grew into transformare by ancient. To change shape completely, from trans- and formare. From there it passed into Old French as transformer by medieval. Carried into French for changing something into a different form. It reached English by 1400s as transform. Settled as the English word for changing something completely in form or character. Today, transform means to change something completely in form, appearance, or character.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient forma "shape, mold", shape, mold, combined with trans- (across).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient transformare "to change shape completely", to change shape completely, from trans- and formare.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval transformer "to change something into a different form", carried into French for changing something into a different form.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1400s transform "to change something completely in form or character", settled as the English word for changing something completely in form or character.