I. ˈchānj verb
( changed ; chang·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked
Date: 13th century
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 change s 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 change s 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
Synonyms:
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
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1. : the act, process, or result of changing: as
a. : alteration
a change in the weather
b. : transformation
a time of vast social change
going through change s
c. : substitution
a change of scenery
d. : the passage of the moon from one monthly revolution to another ; also : the passage of the moon from one phase to another
e. : menopause
2. : a fresh set of clothes
3. British : exchange 5a
4.
a. : money in small denominations received in exchange for an equivalent sum in larger denominations
b. : money returned when a payment exceeds the amount due
c. : coins especially of low denominations
a pocketful of change
d. : a negligible additional amount
only six minutes and change left in the game
e. : money 1
cost a large chunk of change
5. : an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing
6. : changeup