transfiguration
/ˌtræns.fɪɡ.jəˈreɪ.ʃən/
noun
Origin
Latin
transfigurare — to change the shape of
Overview
Meaning Now
- A complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.
- Specifically, the supernatural transformation of Jesus Christ on a mountain as described in the New Testament.
Literal older meaning
a changing across of the shape
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
transfiguracioun
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term is heavily rooted in Christian theology, referring to the event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels where Jesus is revealed in his divine glory. Beyond the religious context, it entered the English language in the late medieval period to denote any significant or striking alteration of appearance.
Evolution
- Latin
transfigurare
“to change the form”
From trans- 'across' + figurare 'to form'.
- Late Latin
transfiguratio
“a change of form”
Nominalization of the verb.
- Old French
transfiguration
“metamorphosis or religious change”
Borrowed into French after ecclesiastical usage.
- Middle English
transfiguracioun
“transformation, specifically of Jesus”
Adapted to Middle English phonology.
- Modern English
transfiguration
“complete transformation; religious feast”
Standardized spelling.
Connections
Word parts
trans-
prefix
across, beyond
figur
root
shape, form
-ation
suffix
process of
Related across languages
French
transfiguration
Spanish
transfiguración
transfiguration
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.