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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Alter: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：modify (alter)

alter 🔊

/ˈɔːltə(r)/

vt.

to change something's appearance or form, often in a small way

Alter meaning illustrated by a tailor altering blue jeans on a sewing machine.

modify 🔊

➕

/ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/

vt.

To change the physical characteristics or structure of an object, typically in a detailed or minor way, such as adjusting clothing to fit.

📁 Category：Fashion Trends 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'alter', meaning 'other'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of pressing the 'ALT' key on a keyboard to access alternative functions; 'ALTer' means to change.

📖 Example

I asked the tailor to alter my jeans so they would be a bit shorter. 🔊 I asked the tailor to modify my jeans to make them a little shorter.

🔗 Collocations

alter clothes – to make changes to the size or fit of garments

alter the length – to change how long something is

alter significantly – to change something to a noticeable degree

🔄 Synonyms

modify (vt.) – to make partial or minor changes to something

adjust (vt.) – to change something slightly to make it fit, work, or look better

tailor (vt.) – to make or adapt something for a particular purpose or person

🚫 Antonyms

preserve (vt.) – to keep something in its original state

maintain (vt.) – to keep something in an existing state

🌱 Derivatives

alteration (n.) – a change or modification made to something

unaltered (adj.) – remaining the same; not changed

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'alter' originates from the Latin 'alter', meaning 'the other (of two)'. It entered English via Old French. In modern culture, it's frequently used in legal contexts and discussions about customizing clothing, reflecting its core idea of making something 'other' than its original state.

Meaning 2：change (alter)

alter 🔊

/ˈɔːltə(r)/

vt.

to change a plan or idea, often to make it better or more suitable for a new situation

Concept of alter shown by people changing a travel route on a map.

change 🔊

➕

/tʃeɪndʒ/

vt.

To revise or adjust an abstract concept like a plan, idea, or course of action, usually to adapt to new circumstances or improve its effectiveness.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Due to bad weather, we had to alter our travel plans and visit the museums instead of the beaches. 🔊 Because of the poor weather conditions, we needed to change our travel itinerary, opting for museums over beaches.

🔗 Collocations

alter plans – to change previously made arrangements

alter one's perspective – to change one's point of view or opinion

alter the course – to change the direction or path of something

🔄 Synonyms

change (vt.) – to make or become different

revise (vt.) – to reconsider and alter something in light of further evidence

amend (vt.) – to make minor changes to improve or correct something, often a text or plan

🚫 Antonyms

adhere to (v.) – to continue following a plan or rule without change

keep to (v.) – to follow something as planned