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transformational grammar

transformational rule

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transformation

trans·for·ma·tion [ trànsfər máysh'n ] (plural trans·for·ma·tions)

noun

Definition:

1. complete change: a complete change, usually into something with an improved appearance or usefulness

2. transforming: the act or process of transforming somebody or something

3. mathematics substitution of variables: the mathematical conversion of an expression, equation, or function into another equivalent entity, e.g. by the substitution of one set of variables with another

4. genetics genetic change: a permanent change in the genetic makeup of a cell when it acquires foreign DNA

5. cell biology cell modification: the conversion of a normal cell into a malignant cell brought about by the action of a carcinogen or virus

6. mathematics change in position of axis: a change in the position or direction of the axes of a mathematical coordinate system without changing their relative angles

7. physics change in atomic nucleus: the change of one type of atom to another, resulting from a nuclear reaction

8. linguistics stage in grammatical conversion: in transformational grammar, the process of converting one linguistic construction or structure to another, following the rules that convert deep structure to surface structure

9. linguistics stage in grammatical conversion: in transformational grammar, a construction or structure generated by using the rules that convert deep structure into surface structure

10. theater sudden set change: a sudden changing of a stage set that takes place in sight of the audience

trans·for·ma·tion·al adjective

trans·for·ma·tion·al·ly adverb

Word Usage


	transformation, transmigration, or transmutation? Transformation means "a complete change, usually into something with an improved appearance or usefulness" (a transformation of the dingy attic into a sunny loft). Transmutation is "a change, or the process of changing, from one form, substance, nature, or state into another" (the transmutation of society from industrial to postindustrial;the transmutation of base metals into gold by alchemy). It is rather close in meaning to transformation. The two senses of transmigration are not shared by transformation and transmutation: "movement from one place to another" (a huge transmigration of geese from Canada to Florida), and "the supposed passage of a decedent's soul into another body" (transmigration of the soul). Problems occur when people use transmigration when either transformation or transmutation is the correct choice: an obvious transformation/transmutation [not transmigration] in attitude from liberal to conservative.