verb
Uncommon
altering
Altering (verb) means present participle of "alter" — in the process of changing something. Example: “The tailor spent the afternoon altering wedding dresses.”
verb
1
Present participle of "alter" — in the process of changing something.
"This skirt needs altering."
"The tailor spent the afternoon altering wedding dresses."
How to use altering
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe -ing form of "alter," used for ongoing changes or as a noun-like activity ("altering clothes").
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Word forms
- Plural
- alterings
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The tailor spent the afternoon _____ wedding dresses.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for altering
peering
tapering
lowering
covering
offering
entering
cheering
steering
uttering
ordering
towering
wavering
See all rhymes for altering →
Frequently asked questions
What does “altering” mean?
The word “altering” means present participle of "alter" — in the process of changing something. In plain terms, the -ing form of "alter," used for ongoing changes or as a noun-like activity ("altering clothes").
How do you use “altering” in a sentence?
Here is “altering” used in a sentence: “The tailor spent the afternoon altering wedding dresses.”
What part of speech is “altering”?
“Altering” is a verb.
Is “altering” a common word?
“Altering” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "altering" and "alternating"?
"Altering" means changing something, as in altering a dress or altering a plan, while "alternating" means switching back and forth between two or more things or states. The two words look similar but describe entirely different actions.
What is the difference between "altering" and "changing"?
"Altering" usually implies a smaller or more precise adjustment to something that mostly stays the same, such as altering a garment's fit, while "changing" can imply a broader or more complete transformation. In many everyday contexts the two are used interchangeably, but "altering" often suggests refinement rather than replacement.
Is "altering" used as a gerund or a participle?
"Altering" is the present participle of "alter" and can function either as part of a continuous verb tense ("she is altering the dress") or as a gerund acting like a noun ("altering the dress took an hour"). Its grammatical role depends on how it is placed in the sentence.
