Alter
/ˈɔːltər/
verbBeginnerCommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
To make changes to something, often to improve or adapt it.
/ˈɔːltər/
verbneutralBeginner
General
To change or modify something.
He altered the course of the river.
💡 Simply: To change something.
More Examples
2
She altered the recipe to make it healthier.
How It's Used
General
"I need to alter the dress; it's too long."
Tailoring
"The tailor altered the suit to fit perfectly."
Idioms & expressions
alter ego
A second self or personality that is completely different from the first.
"His alter ego is a fearless adventurer."
From Old French *alterer (to change, modify), from Latin alter (other).
The word 'alter' has been used in English since the 14th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent.
Memory tip
Think of 'altering' your clothes to fit better.
Practice
Base: alter
alterdaltedaleter
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written