alter

Alter is a verb meaning to change something in some degree; to modify, adjust, or amend. It can be used for plans, clothing, opinions, or conditions. The noun form alteration refers to the act or result of changing. In everyday use, alter emphasizes making a difference rather than a complete replacement.

Etymology traces alter to Latin alter meaning “the other,” passing through Old French alterer. The sense broadened in English to cover various kinds of modification. The root is related to terms such as alternative and alteration, and it is distinct from altar, the raised table for offerings.

Common domains of use include computing, tailoring, and law. In computing, the SQL language uses the ALTER statement to modify a database schema or objects such as tables or columns. In fashion, alterations adjust the fit or style of garments. In legal and contractual contexts, to alter a document or provision usually requires consent or a formal procedure to ensure validity and integrity.

Usage notes: Alter is typically transitive (alter the design) but can be intransitive in some senses (the plan altered). It is different from altercation, which means a dispute or fight, and from altar, which denotes a religious table. Related forms include alterable or adjustable as adjectives and alteration as a noun describing the change itself. The term is often contrasted with synonyms like modify, amend, or tailor to convey varying degrees of change.