The word 'transfigure' entered English in the late 14th century from Old French 'transfigurer', which itself was derived from Latin 'transfigurare'. This Latin verb is a compound of 'trans-' (across, beyond) and 'figura' (form, shape). The literal meaning is "to change the form or shape across to another," implying a complete metamorphosis. Originally used in a theological context to describe a spiritual and glorious change in appearance, such as the Transfiguration of Christ, its usage broadened to signify any profound and often exalted transformation of outward form, carrying connotations that go beyond mere physical change to suggest an elevation in spiritual or aesthetic quality.

Structure: trans (across) + figure (form) The prefix 'trans-' is from Latin, meaning 'across, beyond, through'. The root 'figure' is from Latin 'figura', meaning 'form, shape, appearance'.