alter

The word “alter” means to change something, especially in a fairly small or specific way. In plain terms, to make something different from what it was, whether that's a plan, a document, clothing, or an animal.

“Alter” is pronounced OL-tuh (/ˈɔl.təɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “alter” used in a sentence: “She altered her plans after hearing the weather forecast.”

Words with a similar meaning to “alter” include adapt, amend, change, convert, differentiate and innovate.

The opposite of “alter” — its antonyms — are preserve, leave alone, leave be, let alone and let be.

“Alter” is a verb.

The word “alter” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterare ("to make other"), ultimately from Latin alter, "the other.".

“Alter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

They are homophones with unrelated meanings. Alter, with an e, is a verb meaning to change something, usually in a small or specific way; altar, with an a, is a noun for the raised table used in religious ceremonies. If you can substitute the word change, the spelling you want is alter.

Change is the broad, general verb and can imply replacing one thing with another ("change your password"). Alter is narrower: it means to modify something that stays fundamentally the same, typically in a small or specific way, as when a tailor alters a suit.

Yes. In veterinary use, to alter an animal means to neuter or spay it — that is, to surgically prevent it from reproducing. Altered serves as the umbrella term covering both neutered males and spayed females.