Metamorphose
hardNeutral tonemet-uh-MOR-foze
verb
Definition
To change or cause to change completely in form or nature
Memory hook
META-MORPH-ose: Change your MORPH (shape) entirely -- caterpillar to butterfly.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The caterpillar metamorphosed into a beautiful butterfly.”
“Over time, the small startup metamorphosed into a tech giant.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The caterpillar ______ into a beautiful butterfly.”
Show answer
metamorphosed
Categories
GRE Tip
Metamorphose is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "transform" or "transmute" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "preserve".
Related GRE Words
transmute
To change in form, nature, or substance
convert
To change or cause to change in form, character, or function
transform
To make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
coalesce
to come together to form one unified whole
dissolution
the breaking up or dissolving of an assembly, bond, or organization
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