Core Meaning
Change means altering or making something different in a particular way, or transforming it altogether. It can also mean giving something a new position, direction, or replacing one thing for another.[1][3]
Nuances of "Change"
- Change: Making an essential difference, often resulting in the loss of the original identity or a direct substitution.[3][1]
- Alter: Changing something in a specific aspect without necessarily losing its identity.[3]
- Vary: Introducing differences that break away from repetition or duplication.[6][3]
- Modify: Making changes that restrict, adapt, or tailor something for a new purpose.[8][3]
Etymology
The word "change" comes from Middle English, derived from Anglo-French "changer," which in turn comes from Latin "cambiare," meaning "to exchange." It may have connections to Old Irish "camm," meaning "crooked".[3]
Dictionary Quotation
“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. alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity. vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition. modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.”
— Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary
Additional Examples
- "He changed his appearance with a new haircut."
- "Mary changed places with John."
- "Life changed him from an optimist into a pessimist."
- "May I have four quarters as change for a dollar?"
Author's Summary
Change means to make or become different, whether through transformation, substitution, or adaptation, affecting identity or purpose.[1][3]