What is alter? Pronunciation and usage in English

alter means . Learn how to pronounce and use alter through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of alter

alterverb

/ˈɔːltə//ˈɒltə/
Definition & pronunciation of alter

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "alter" in English. It's a tricky one because it's not always pronounced the way it looks! Here's a breakdown of the common pronunciations and how to get it right:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation (and generally accepted):

  • ˈæl.tər (pronounced like "uh-ter")
    • ˈæl – This part sounds like the "a" in "cat" or "father." It’s a short, open "a" sound.
    • tər – This part sounds like "ter," as in "term." It’s a short, unstressed "er" sound.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • ˈɔl.tər (pronounced like "ol-ter")
    • ˈɔl – This sounds like "ol" as in "old."
    • tər – Same as above – “ter”

Which one is "correct"?

  • American English: The /ˈæl.tər/ pronunciation is overwhelmingly more common in the United States.
  • British English: The /ˈɔl.tər/ pronunciation is the standard in the UK.

Resources to hear the pronunciations:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (or where do you want to sound)? (e.g., U.S., UK, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word alter in English

Let's break down how to use the word "alter" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, primarily relating to change.

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage): To Change

This is the most frequent way "alter" is used. It means to change something, often gradually or subtly.

  • Formal: "The company decided to alter its marketing strategy." (Meaning: to change)
  • Informal: "I’m going to alter this dress to fit me better." (Meaning: to change the fit)
  • General: “The rain will alter our plans for the picnic.” (Meaning: change)
  • More Emphasis on Gradual Change: "Over time, her personality began to alter." (Meaning: gradually change)

Synonyms for “alter” in this sense: change, modify, adjust, revise, transform, reshape.

2. As a Verb (Specifically Legal/Official): To Officially Change a Document or Record

This usage is more formal and often found in legal or official contexts. It means to make an official change to a document, contract, or record.

  • "The judges altered the wording of the contract to clarify the terms."
  • "The census data was altered to correct an error."

3. As a Verb (Referring to Appearance – Less Common Now)

Historically, “alter” meant to change the appearance or form of something. This usage is now less frequent and more often replaced with words like “modify” or “reshape”.

  • "The sculptor altered the clay to create a more graceful form." (Meaning: changed the shape) - You'd likely hear "reshaped" or "modified" today.

4. As a Noun (Rare)

“Alter” can rarely be used as a noun, referring to a garment that has been altered (changed).

  • "She wore her alter to the party." (Meaning: the dress that had been altered) – This usage is quite specific and you'll probably only see it in older literature.

Here’s a breakdown of how to choose the right usage:

  • Most situations: Use "alter" as a verb meaning "to change."
  • Legal documents: Use "alter" as a verb meaning "to officially change."
  • Describing physical changes (shape, form): Consider using "modify," "reshape," or "transform" instead of "alter."

Examples to Show the Difference:

  • Correct: "I need to alter this shirt to make it shorter." (Changing the length – Verb, common usage)
  • Correct: "The committee voted to alter the bylaws." (Officially changing the rules – Verb, legal/official usage)
  • Less Common (but possible): “The sculptor altered the clay model to give it a more dynamic pose.” (Changing the appearance – Verb, but “reshaped” is often better)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Provide a practice exercise to test your understanding?
  • Explain the nuances of “alter” in a specific context (e.g., literature, legal writing)?

Synonyms for the word alter

Practice with vocabulary alter

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company decided to _____ its policies to better accommodate remote work.
  2. It’s important to _____ your lifestyle if you want to improve your health.
  3. The teacher asked the students to _____ their essays for clarity and coherence.
  4. The new manager plans to _____ the team’s workflow for greater efficiency.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words means to change or modify something?
    a) Maintain
    b) Alter
    c) Preserve
    d) Restore

  2. If you want to _____ your appearance, consider a new hairstyle or wardrobe.
    a) Transform
    b) Alter
    c) Sustain
    d) Replicate

  3. The chef decided to _____ the recipe to make it healthier.
    a) Alter
    b) Adapt
    c) Revise
    d) Abandon

  4. Which word does NOT mean to change something?
    a) Modify
    b) Adjust
    c) Stabilize
    d) Shift

  5. The artist wanted to _____ the painting by adding more vibrant colors.
    a) Enhance
    b) Alter
    c) Maintain
    d) Disrupt

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The government decided to change the tax laws to boost the economy.
    Rewrite: The government decided to _____ the tax laws to boost the economy.

  2. Original: She modified her workout routine to include more strength training.
    Rewrite: She _____ her workout routine to include more strength training.

  3. Original: The project timeline was adjusted to meet the new deadline.
    Rewrite: The project timeline was _____ to meet the new deadline.

Answer:

Exercise 1

  1. alter
  2. adjust
  3. revise
  4. streamline

Exercise 2

  1. b) Alter
  2. b) Alter
  3. a) Alter, b) Adapt, c) Revise
  4. c) Stabilize
  5. a) Enhance, b) Alter

Exercise 3

  1. The government decided to alter the tax laws to boost the economy.
  2. She altered her workout routine to include more strength training.
  3. The project timeline was modified to meet the new deadline.

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