alter

/'ɔ:ltə/

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Word: Alter

Part of Speech: Verb

Usage Instructions:

• Use "alter" when you want to express that something has been changed but still retains some of its original features.
• It is often used in contexts like fashion, writing, and personal behavior.

Examples:

1. Simple Example: "I need to alter this dress; it's too long for me."

   • This means the dress will be changed in length but will still be a dress.

2. Advanced Example: "The introduction of the internet has altered the way we communicate."

   • This shows a significant change in communication methods, but the act of communicating still exists.

Different Meanings:

• In a medical context, "alter" can mean to remove certain parts of an animal, like in the case of spaying a cat (removing the ovaries).
• In writing, to "alter" a text might mean to edit it, sometimes even changing its meaning.

Word Variants:

• Alteration (noun): A change or modification.
  • Example: "The alteration of the schedule was necessary due to unforeseen circumstances."
• Alterable (adjective): Capable of being changed.
  • Example: "The plans are alterable if we find a better option."

Synonyms:

• Change
• Modify
• Adjust
• Transform
• Revise

Idioms:

• "Alter ego": A second self or another version of oneself.
  • Example: "In my alter ego, I am a superhero who saves the world."

Phrasal Verbs:

• Alter up: To make something better or improve it.
  • Example: "We decided to alter up our marketing strategy to attract more customers."

Summary:

The verb "alter" is a versatile word used to indicate changes that modify something while keeping its original essence.

Academic

Verb

1. remove the ovaries of
   • Is your cat spayed?
2. insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby
3. make an alteration to
   • This dress needs to be altered
4. become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
   • her mood changes in accordance with the weather
   • The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
5. cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
   • The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
   • The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue

Synonyms

• neuter
• spay
• castrate
• interpolate
• falsify
• change
• vary
• modify