altér

Altér (altérer) is a French verb meaning to alter, to change in a way that typically degrades, contaminates, or otherwise affects the original state of something. It is a transitive verb that takes a direct object, as in altérer quelque chose. Common senses cover altering the physical or chemical nature of a substance, spoiling a flavor or texture, or compromising data, evidence, or conditions.

Etymology and form: altérer traces to Latin alterare, from alter meaning “the other.” The verb is regular for an -er verb and follows standard conjugation patterns. The past participle is altéré, used with être or avoir depending on the construction. The corresponding noun is l’altération, referring to alteration, spoilage, or deterioration, and the adjective form is altéré when describing something that has been altered.

Usage notes: Altérer tends to carry a negative or undesired connotation, though it can be neutral in some scientific contexts. It appears in phrases such as altérer la saveur d’un plat (to alter the flavor of a dish), altérer un échantillon (to contaminate or modify a sample), or altérer les données (to tamper with data). In broader discourse, it can describe any change that degrades quality or integrity.

Examples: La chaleur altère la texture des aliments. Les données du rapport ont été altérées par une erreur technique. On craint que l’échantillon ait été altéré avant l’analyse.

See also: altération; dégradation; modification.