alter
gb/ˈɔltɚ/ us/ˈɔltɚ/
A2
Inglês
~ 2200
Aceções
0 aceções
Verbo
B1
action
1
Change something in some way
To make something different in some way.
Padrão de uso:
to alter [something]
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes confuse 'alter' with 'exchange' or 'replace'. 'Alter' means to make changes, not to swap one thing entirely for another.
Sinónimos
change (A more general term; 'alter' often suggests a more specific or limited change.)
|
modify (Often used in technical or formal contexts, similar in meaning to 'alter'.)
Antónimos
preserve (Means to keep something the same without changes.)
|
maintain (Means to keep something in its original state.)
Colocações
alter plans
|alter appearance
|alter behavior
|alter clothing
|alter schedule
Temas
daily life
|work
|design
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- They had to alter the design after the client’s feedback.
- I decided to alter my travel plans because of the storm.
- The tailor will alter the dress to fit you better.
- We need to alter our approach to solve this problem.
- He altered the recipe by adding more spices.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- I will alter my plan.
- The shop can alter my shirt.
- We alter the room for the party.
- She alters her hair color.
- They alter the game rules.
Verbo
A2
action
2
Make clothes fit better
To change clothes so they fit better.
Padrão de uso:
to alter [a piece of clothing]
Erro comum:
Learners may confuse 'alter' in this sense with buying new clothes; here it means changing existing clothes.
Sinónimos
tailor (Implies making or altering clothes specifically to fit an individual.)
Antónimos
leave as is (Means not making any adjustments to the clothing.)
Colocações
alter a dress
|alter trousers
|alter a suit
Temas
fashion
|daily life
|clothing
|daily_life
Exemplos
- The seamstress will alter your jacket to make it tighter.
- I need to alter these pants because they are too long.
- They altered the wedding dress for the bride.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- I will alter my pants.
- She alters the dress for me.
- They alter his coat.
Verbo
technical
B2
action
3
Change genetic makeup
To change the natural parts of a plant or animal using science.
Padrão de uso:
to alter [an organism/its genes]
Sinónimos
modify genetically (More explicit term for altering genes.)
Antónimos
maintain genetic integrity (Means to keep the genetic makeup unchanged.)
Colocações
genetically alter
|alter DNA
|alter species
Temas
science
|biology
|health
Exemplos
- Scientists can alter crops to resist pests.
- The lab altered the bacteria for research purposes.
- They are studying how to alter genes to cure diseases.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- Scientists alter plants to grow faster.
- They alter animals for research.
- We can alter food plants.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
alter
IPA
GB/ˈɔltɚ/
US/ˈɔltɚ/
Sílabas e acento
al - ter (2 sílabas)
Stress on 1st syllable (al)
Formas da palavra
Verb
- Base: alter
- 3rd Person Singular: alters
- Present Participle: altering
- Past: altered
Família de palavras
Forms
alters
verb
altering
verb
altered
verb
Core family
alteration
noun B1
Related words
alterable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unaltered
adjective
unalterable
adjective
Expressões
alter ego
1/ˈɔltɚ ˈiɡoʊ/
fixed phrase
Second identity or personality
A different side of someone's personality, or another identity they use.
Exemplos
- In the novel, the hero's alter ego is a fearless detective.
- He uses an online avatar as his alter ego.