alter
[ awl-ter ]
/ ˈɔl tər /
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verb (used with object)
to make different in some particular, as size, style, course, or the like; modify: to alter a coat; to alter a will; to alter course.
to castrate or spay.
verb (used without object)
to change; become different or modified.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of alter
1350–1400; Middle English <Old French alterer<Late Latin alterāre to change, worsen, derivative of Latin alter other
synonym study for alter
1. See adjust,
OTHER WORDS FROM alter
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH alter
altar, alterOther definitions for alter (2 of 3)
Alter
[ awl-ter ]
/ ˈɔl tər /
noun
David, 1807–81, U.S. physicist.
Other definitions for alter (3 of 3)
alter.
abbreviation
alteration.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use alter in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for alter
alter
/ (ˈɔːltə) /
verb
Derived forms of alter
alterable, adjectivealterably, adverbalterability, nounWord Origin for alter
C14: from Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterāre to change, from Latin alter other
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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