alter
word
/ˈɔɫtɝ/
AWL-tur
/ˈɒltɐ/
OL-tuh
Definition
To make a small or partial change to something, usually to improve it or to make it different from before.
Usage & Nuances
'Alter' is more formal than 'change' and often refers to small or specific modifications, not complete transformations. Common phrases: 'alter clothing', 'alter a plan', 'genetically altered'. Do not confuse with 'altar' (a religious table).
Spanish: modificar - alterar - cambiarPortuguese (BR): alterar - modificar - mudarPortuguese (PT): alterar - modificar - mudarChinese (Simplified): 改变 - 修改Chinese (Traditional): 改變 - 修改Hindi: बदलना - रूप बदलनाArabic: يُعدّل - يغيّرBengali: পরিবর্তন করা - সংশোধন করাRussian: изменять - корректироватьJapanese: 変更する - 改めるVietnamese: thay đổi - chỉnh sửaKorean: 수정하다 - 바꾸다Turkish: değiştirmek - düzeltmekUrdu: تبدیل کرنا - بدلناIndonesian: mengubah - menyesuaikan
Example Sentences
She needs to alter her dress before the party.
basic
You can alter your password if you forget it.
basic
We must alter our plans because of the weather.
basic
Small details can alter the whole meaning of a sentence.
natural
Can you alter this jacket to make it fit better?
natural
The medicine may alter your mood over time.
natural