Word: metamorphosis (noun)

Associations

"Metamorphosis" means a big change, usually in form or nature. It is often used to talk about animals, like when a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. But it can also mean a big change in a person or thing.

• In nature: "The frog goes through metamorphosis from tadpole to adult." This shows a physical change.
• In stories: "The character's metamorphosis from shy to confident was inspiring." This shows a personal change.
• In science: "Metamorphosis is common in insects like butterflies and moths." This is a biological change.

Synonym: "transformation" is similar, but "metamorphosis" usually means a natural or biological change, while "transformation" can be any change, natural or not.

Substitution

You can use:

• transformation (more general change)
• change (very general)
• evolution (slow, natural development)
• conversion (changing from one form to another, often used for ideas or beliefs)

Example: "The metamorphosis of the city was amazing." You could say "transformation" here, but "metamorphosis" suggests a deeper or more complete change.

Deconstruction

The word "metamorphosis" comes from Greek:

• "meta-" means "change" or "beyond"
• "morph" means "form" or "shape"
• "-osis" is a suffix meaning "process" or "condition"

So, "metamorphosis" literally means "the process of changing form."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you experienced a "metamorphosis" in your life, like learning something new or changing habits?
• How is "metamorphosis" different from just a small change?
• Can "metamorphosis" be used for ideas or feelings, or only for physical changes? Why?