Dictionary monolingual
English
Alter
ˈɔltər
Very common
~ 2100
~ 2100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Alter -
to change or make different
Example: She decided to alter her hairstyle for the new job interview.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, academic writing
Note: Commonly used in formal contexts to indicate a significant change or modification.
to adjust or modify slightly
Example: Could you alter the meeting time to accommodate more attendees?
Usage: formal/informalContext: business meetings, social events
Note: Can be used in both formal and informal situations to suggest making small changes.
to tailor or make clothes fit better
Example: The tailor will alter the dress to fit your measurements perfectly.
Usage: formalContext: fashion industry, clothing alterations
Note: Primarily used in the context of adjusting or modifying clothing to fit better.
Alter's synonyms
modify
To make partial changes to something, typically to improve or adjust it.
Example: She asked the tailor to modify her dress to fit better.
Note: Similar to 'alter' but often implies making specific changes rather than a complete transformation.
change
To make or become different; to substitute one thing for another.
Example: The company decided to change its marketing strategy.
Note: Broadly similar to 'alter' but can encompass a wider range of modifications or substitutions.
revise
To amend or alter something already written or printed.
Example: He revised his essay based on the feedback from his teacher.
Note: Specifically related to making corrections or improvements to written or printed material.
adjust
To alter or move something slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result.
Example: You can adjust the volume using the buttons on the remote control.
Note: Often used in the context of fine-tuning or calibrating something to achieve a specific outcome.
Alter expressions, common phrases
Alter ego
A person's secondary or alternative personality, typically one that is distinct from their true self.
Example: Superman's alter ego is Clark Kent.
Note: The phrase 'alter ego' refers to a different aspect or persona of a person, distinct from their primary identity.
Altercation
A noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public.
Example: The heated argument escalated into a physical altercation.
Note: An 'altercation' typically implies a more intense and confrontational disagreement than the general concept of 'alter'.
Alteration
A change or adjustment made to something.
Example: She made some alterations to the dress to make it fit better.
Note: An 'alteration' specifically refers to modifying or adjusting something, often to improve its fit, appearance, or function.
Alter course
To change the direction or path of something, especially a vehicle or vessel.
Example: The captain decided to alter course to avoid the storm.
Note: The phrase 'alter course' is used in the context of changing the direction of travel or movement.
Alteration of character
A transformation or change in a person's personality or behavior.
Example: The tragic event led to an alteration of his character, making him more cautious.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to a significant change in one's character traits or demeanor.
Altered state
A condition in which a person's normal mental state is changed, often due to external influences.
Example: Under the influence of alcohol, he entered an altered state of consciousness.
Note: An 'altered state' indicates a departure from the usual or expected mental or physical condition.
Alter one's ways
To change one's behavior or habits in order to improve or reform.
Example: After the warning, he decided to alter his ways and become more responsible.
Note: The phrase 'alter one's ways' emphasizes a deliberate change in behavior or actions for a specific purpose.
Alter everyday (slang) expressions
Alter
In this context, alter is used as a short form of 'alteration', meaning to change or modify something.
Example: I'm going to alter my outfit before the party tonight.
Note: The slang term 'alter' is more commonly used in informal settings compared to 'alteration', which is more formal.
Alter - Examples
The artist decided to alter the painting before the exhibition.
The company had to alter their marketing strategy due to the pandemic.
She wanted to alter her hairstyle for a fresh look.
Alter grammar
Alter - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: alter
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): altered
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): altering
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): alters
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): alter
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): alter
Syllables, Separation and Stress
alter Contains 2 syllables: al • ter
Phonetic transcription: ˈȯl-tər
al ter , ˈȯl tər (The red syllable is stressed)
Alter - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
alter: ~ 2100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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