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¹change

verb \ˈchānj\

: to become different

: to make (someone or something) different

: to become something else

changedchang·ing

Full Definition of CHANGE

transitive verb

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

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

: to become different <her mood changes every hour>

of the moon : to pass from one phase to another

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

of the voice : to shift to lower register : break

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

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

: 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>

See change defined for English-language learners

See change defined for kids

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

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

²change

noun

Definition of CHANGE

: 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 changes>

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

: a fresh set of clothes

British : exchange 5a

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>

: an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing

: changeup

See change defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CHANGE

13th century

Related to CHANGE

Synonyms: alteration, difference, modification, redoing, refashioning, remaking, remodeling, revamping, review, revise, revision, reworking, variation

Antonyms: fixation, stabilization

CHANGE Defined for Kids

¹change

verb \ˈchānj\

changedchang·ing

Definition of CHANGE for Kids

: to make or become different <changing autumn leaves> <I like how you've changed this room.>

: to give a different position, course, or direction to <I changed my plans.>

: to put one thing in the place of another : switch <Our teacher made us change places.>

: to give or receive an equal amount of money in usually smaller units of value or in the money of another country <Can you change a ten-dollar bill?>

: to put fresh clothes or covering on <change a bed>

: to put on different clothes <We always change for dinner.>

— change hands

: to pass from one person's possession or ownership to another's <The restaurant has changed hands.>

Synonym Discussion of CHANGE

change, alter, and vary mean to make or become different. change may be used for making such a difference in a thing that it becomes something else. <They've changed the house into a restaurant.> Change may also be used for substituting one thing for another. <We changed our seats for better ones.> alter is used for making a small difference in something. <He altered the picture by adding color.> vary is used for making a difference in order to break away from a routine. <The boss varied our tasks.>