Alter

/ˈɔːltər/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To change or modify something.

The architect decided to alter the original design to make it more modern.

To adjust or make different in some way.

You can alter the settings on your phone to improve battery life.

To cause to change; to become different.

The experience will alter your perspective on life.

To substitute one thing for another.

They had to alter their plans when the weather turned bad.

From Latin 'alterare', meaning 'to change, make different'.

alter ego

A second self; a different version of oneself, often used in contexts of duality or personality.

to alter course

To change one's direction or plan.

alter the outcome

To change the result of a situation.

change

To make or become different.

modify

To make partial or minor changes to something.

adjust

To alter something slightly, typically to achieve a desired fit or result.

To change one's mind or decision.

I thought I wanted to go out, but I altered my plans.

To switch things up or change pace.

Let's alter the usual routine and do something different tonight.