Alter
/ˈɔːltər/
verbBeginner📊CommonAction
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase1 question
Definitions
1
To make changes to something, often to improve or adapt it.
/ˈɔːltər/
verbneutralBeginner
Action
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."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
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.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"other"
Base: alter
alter significantlyalter dramaticallyalter coursealter one's opinion
Common misspellings
alterdaltedaleter
Practice
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written