English Lexicon

Alter

/ˈɔːl.tər/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To change or cause to change in character, composition, or structure, typically in relatively small ways.

    "The new regulations will alter how the company conducts its daily operations."
  2. 2

    To adjust clothing to make it fit better.

    "She took the dress to a tailor to alter the waistline."

Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'alteren', from Old French 'alterer', and ultimately from Late Latin 'alterare', meaning 'to make other' based on the Latin root 'alter' meaning 'other'. Over time, the meaning shifted from general change to specifically modifying or adjusting physical items or characteristics.

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