verb
alter
OL-tuh
verb
1
To change something, especially in a fairly small or specific way.
"She altered her plans after hearing the weather forecast."
"The tailor altered the suit so it would fit properly."
2
To neuter or spay an animal.
"The shelter requires all adopted cats to be altered."
How to Use Alter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something different from what it was, whether that's a plan, a document, clothing, or an animal.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "altar," the sacred platform — same sound, unrelated meaning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
alter course
alter clothing
alter the outcome
Word Forms
altered past tense, alters plural, alters singular
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She _____ her plans after hearing the weather forecast.
Etymology
From Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterare ("to make other"), ultimately from Latin alter, "the other."