The word 'transfiguration' is a direct borrowing from the Latin transfiguratio, which itself is built from the components trans- (across, beyond) and figura (form, shape). The core concept is a movement or change (trans-) from one outward shape (figura) to another. This literal sense of metamorphosis was adopted into Christian theological vocabulary to name the specific event where Jesus' physical form was seen to be gloriously altered. Over time, the term broadened in secular use to describe any profound and often glorifying transformation of appearance or nature, maintaining the essential link between the ancient roots of "change across form" and the modern abstract meaning of a radical, usually positive, metamorphosis.

Structure: trans (across) + figur (shape) + ation (noun suffix) - trans: Latin origin, meaning "across, beyond, through." A prefix indicating change or movement from one state to another. - figur: From Latin figura, meaning "shape, form, figure." This root relates to the physical or outward appearance. - ation: A suffix of Latin origin (-ationem) used to form nouns indicating an action or process, or the result of an action.