change

¹change

verb \ˈchānj\

changedchang·ing

Definition of CHANGE

transitive verb

1

a : to make different in some particular : alter <never bothered to change the will> b : to make radically different : transform <can't change human nature> c : to give a different position, course, or direction to

2

a : to replace with another <let's change the subject> b : to make a shift from one to another : switch <always changes sides in an argument> c : to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency) <change a 20-dollar bill> d : to undergo a modification of <foliage changing color> e : to put fresh clothes or covering on <change a bed>

intransitive verb

1

: to become different <her mood changes every hour>

2

of the moon : to pass from one phase to another

3

: to shift one's means of conveyance : transfer <on the bus trip he had to change twice>

4

of the voice : to shift to lower register : break

5

: to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution <winter changed to spring>

6

: to put on different clothes <need a few minutes to change for dinner>

7

: exchange, switch <neither liked his seat so they changed with each other>

— chang·er noun

— change hands

: to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another <money changes hands many times>

Examples of CHANGE

1. Her mood changes every hour.
2. He changed from an optimist to a pessimist.
3. The town has changed little in recent years.
4. These events have changed me in my attitude to life.
5. You can't change human nature.
6. Life changed him from an optimist into a pessimist.
7. The leaves change color from green to red in the fall.
8. She changed her name when she got married.
9. France has changed its monetary unit from the franc to the euro.
10. change the channel on the TV

Origin of CHANGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to CHANGE

Synonyms: alter, make over, modify, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary

Antonyms: fix, freeze, set, stabilize

Related Words: deform, metamorphose, mutate; regenerate, revolutionize, transfigure, transform, transmute; commute, convert, exchange; rejigger, retool

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of CHANGE

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different. change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another <changed the shirt for a larger size>. alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity <slightly altered the original design>. vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition <vary your daily routine>. modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose <modified the building for use by the disabled>.

Rhymes with CHANGE

grange, mange, range, strange