- 1[intransitive, transitive] to become different; to make someone or something different Prices did not alter significantly during 2010. He had altered his looks so much I barely recognized him. alter somebody/something It doesn't alter the way I feel. Nothing can alter the fact that we are to blame. The landscape has been radically altered, severely damaging wildlife. This incident altered the whole course of events.
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- 2[transitive] alter something to make changes to a piece of clothing so that it will fit you better We can have the dress altered to fit you.
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NAmE//ˈɔltər//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they alter he / she / it alters
past simple altered
-ing form altering
adjective (formal)See alter in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Check pronunciation: alter