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noun Uncommon

alteration

ol-tuh-AY-shuhn

Alteration (noun) means a change made to something, or the act of making that change. Example: “The building underwent several alterations over the decades.”

noun
1
A change made to something, or the act of making that change.
"The building underwent several alterations over the decades."
"She asked the tailor to make a small alteration to the hem."

How to use alteration

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA modification or adjustment made to something, often clothing, a document, or a structure.

Common pairings
minor alteration structural alteration clothing alterations

Word forms

alterations plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The building underwent several _____ over the decades.

Etymology

From Old French alteracion, from Medieval Latin alteratio — built from alter, "other," plus the ending -ation.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for alteration

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Frequently asked questions

What does “alteration” mean?

The word “alteration” means a change made to something, or the act of making that change. In plain terms, a modification or adjustment made to something, often clothing, a document, or a structure.

How do you pronounce “alteration”?

“Alteration” is pronounced ol-tuh-AY-shuhn (/ɔl.tɚˈeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “alteration” in a sentence?

Here is “alteration” used in a sentence: “The building underwent several alterations over the decades.”

What part of speech is “alteration”?

“Alteration” is a noun.

Where does the word “alteration” come from?

The word “alteration” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French alteracion, from Medieval Latin alteratio — built from alter, "other," plus the ending -ation.

Is “alteration” a common word?

“Alteration” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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