alter
OL-tuh
Alter (verb) means to change something, especially in a fairly small or specific way. Example: “You can alter the font size in the settings menu if the text is too small.”
verb
1
To change something, especially in a fairly small or specific way.
"You can alter the font size in the settings menu if the text is too small."
"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 vet will alter the puppy once he is old enough."
"Many owners choose to alter their pets to prevent unwanted litters."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- alters
- Third person singular
- alters
- Past tense
- altered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You can _____ the font size in the settings menu if the text is too small.
Etymology
From Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterare ("to make other"), ultimately from Latin alter, "the other."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for alter
See all rhymes for alter →Frequently asked questions
What does “alter” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “alter”?
“Alter” is pronounced OL-tuh (/ˈɔl.təɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “alter” in a sentence?
Here is “alter” used in a sentence: “She altered her plans after hearing the weather forecast.”
What is another word for “alter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “alter” include adapt, amend, change, convert, differentiate and innovate.
What is the opposite of “alter”?
The opposite of “alter” — its antonyms — are preserve, leave alone, leave be, let alone and let be.
What part of speech is “alter”?
“Alter” is a verb.
Where does the word “alter” come from?
The word “alter” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterare ("to make other"), ultimately from Latin alter, "the other.".
Is “alter” a common word?
“Alter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between alter and altar?
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.
What is the difference between alter and change?
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.
Is altering a pet the same as neutering?
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.
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