Means causing or capable of causing a significant change, especially one that improves or fundamentally alters the nature, function, or character of something.
In different contexts:
General English:
“Her experience abroad was transformative—it changed her outlook on life.”
→ It deeply altered her perspective.
Academic/Scientific:
“arXiv has had a transformative impact on scientific publishing.”
→ It significantly changed how research is shared.
Legal (e.g., copyright law):
A transformative use adds new expression, meaning, or message to the original work, rather than simply copying it.
Synonyms:
Revolutionary
Groundbreaking
Game-changing
Life-altering (in personal contexts)