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to change form

to change form

4 3.9
To become a different shape or look
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : cambiar de forma
  • Michael, however, is rapidly changing form.
  • it can just change form
  • it can only change form

Examples

  • Erskine and Warner realized that the only way rivers can change form is if the characteristic flow changes.

    Blog text (34)
  • Two Australian fluvial geomorphologists by the names of Erskine and Warner noticed that central New South Wales streams changed form from high-energy braided to low-energy meandering.

    Blog text (34)
  • Therefore, some payments to Mr. Ward continue; they have simply changed form.

    Blog text (22)
  • The DEMONS laugh as she changes form.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • We wanted to be first. "You can change form!" Nona said as if just realizing it.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Indeed, some of the power may reside in the individual's ability to change form, age, gender, position, or sexual orientation.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Maya activism has changed form repeatedly over the centuries but has always featured grassroots networking and a segmentary mobilization structure.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The magician's trick made the rabbit change form into a dove before our eyes.

  • As the seasons progress, nature changes form, revealing vibrant colors and different landscapes.

  • When exposed to extreme heat, the solid wax began to change form and melt into liquid.

Synonyms

to change
vsto change form
1.0

To make something or someone different

is specifically about assuming a different outer appearance or structure rather than general difference
to turn
vsto change form
1.0

Change into something different

is about assuming a different outer appearance or structure rather than general difference
to turn into
vsto change form
890 2.2

To change into something different or make something change

is about assuming a different outer appearance or structure rather than broad identity shifts
to transform
vsto change form
523 3.4

Change something a lot so it looks or works very differently

is about assuming a different outer appearance or structure rather than dramatic remaking
to alter
vsto change form
493 2.5

To change something slightly or become different

is about assuming a different appearance or structure often implying complete transformation
to translate
vsto change form
89 2.9

Change something from one form to another

is focused on outward look or structure rather than medium or style conversion
to transition
vsto change form
88 3.8

To change from one state or activity to another

is about assuming a different appearance or structure rather than a shift between states
to morph
vsto change form
76 5.8

To change smoothly from one form to another

is about assuming a different appearance or structure regardless of smoothness
to convert
vsto change form
65 3.7

Change something so it works in a different system

is about assuming a different outer appearance or structure rather than role or system shift
to reshape
vsto change form
49 3.5

To change the form of something so it looks different

is about assuming a different overall appearance or structure not only remodeling
to change shape
vsto change form
9 3.6

To become a different shape

is the same idea but uses the other common phrase for outer look
to recast
vsto change form
9 5.6

Present an idea in a different form or style

is about outer appearance or structure not just presentation style
to transmute
vsto change form
8 7.5

To change something into a different form or material

is focused on outer appearance or structure rather than inner substance
to make over
vsto change form
7 4.1

Change how something looks or works to improve it

is about assuming a different outer appearance or structure rather than planned renovation
to metamorphose
vsto change form
5 8.2

Change completely in form or appearance

is about assuming a different look without implying drama or completeness
to transfigure
vsto change form
  • Literature
4 8.2

To change a person or thing so they look more beautiful and spiritual

is about becoming different in look or structure without added beauty or spirituality
to transmogrify
vsto change form
3 9.9

To change something into a very different form, often as if by magic

is the neutral idea without implying surprise or magic
to shapeshift
vsto change form
  • Literature
3 8.6

To change your body or look into another form, often an animal

is the general idea of assuming a different look without storybook magic
to refashion
vsto change form
3 4.9

To change something into a new or different form

is about assuming a different outer appearance or structure rather than mere stylistic update
to remold
vsto change form
  • US
2 4.6

To change how something is shaped or how it works

is about becoming a different appearance or structure rather than the act of remaking
to shapeshift into
vsto change form
  • Literature
9.4

Change into another form, like a person or animal, by magic

is the neutral idea without magical or fictional emphasis
to transubstantiate
vsto change form
  • Formal
9.9

Change something into a different form or nature

is focused on outer appearance or structure rather than inner substance

Antonyms

62 1.0

Still the same as before

How Different

to transfigure
  • Literature
4 8.2
to transform
523 3.4
to change form
4 3.9
to alter
493 2.5

Surface Forms

change form infinitive
changed form past participle
changing form present participle
changes form third person singular

Morphology

change + form

The meaning 'to assume a different shape or form' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'change' (to alter or transform) with 'form' (shape or appearance). This is a literal, compositional verb + noun phrase common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Change form comes from simple images in stories and everyday life of things becoming new shapes, like a wizard turning into an animal or a piece of metal that bends when heated. So change form means 'to transform' and literally to change its form.