transformative

[ trans-fawr-muh-tiv ]

adjective

1. causing a radical and typically positive change in outlook, character, form, or condition: Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

   It's difficult to put into words how transformative and enriching it is to study abroad.

   Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

Other Words From

• un·trans·form·a·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transformative¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Medieval Latin transformātīvus, equivalent to Latin transformāt-, stem of transformāre, + -īvus -ive ( def ); transform ( def )

Example Sentences

“When you look at discrimination in the face — these people who got up and testified for hours about what it’s like to be denied the right to marry, it’s transformative,” she said in a 2013 interview with The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Los Angeles County charter changes didn’t get as much attention as other high-profile measures on the ballot, make no mistake: This wonky governance reform package may be the most transformative decision county voters have made in decades.

From Los Angeles Times

“You can be so much more tolerant of people because you’re around people you wouldn’t normally even talk to, but you had a great experience playing with them. It’s just a way of connecting with people that transcends the normal way we connect. I do believe it’s transformative.”

From Los Angeles Times

Babitz, the daughter of a classical violinist, learned about the transformative power of art and life at an early age.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s often our friendships that carry us through the hardest, most transformative moments in life. We rely on them in ways that can go unspoken. Will is there to remind Harper that she is absolutely worthy of love — not only from others but from herself.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational