What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
metamorphose
Example
The caterpillar metamorphoses into a butterfly. [metamorphoses: verb]
Example
The company has metamorphosed from a small startup to a global corporation. [metamorphosed: past tense]
mutate
Example
The virus has mutated, making it more difficult to treat. [mutated: past participle]
Example
The plant mutated due to exposure to radiation. [mutate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mutate is more commonly used than metamorphose in scientific or technical contexts, while metamorphose is more commonly used in literary or artistic contexts. Both words are less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between metamorphose and mutate?
Both metamorphose and mutate are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts. However, mutate may also be used in informal contexts to describe sudden or unexpected changes.
