Change vs. Development — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Change refers to making something different; development is the process of improvement or growth.
Difference Between Change and Development
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Change is an essential concept that denotes a shift from one state to another. It is a broad term that can apply to various contexts, whether they be physical, conceptual, or situational. Change can be either positive or negative, intended or accidental. Development, however, is a type of change that carries a connotation of progression, growth, or evolution toward a more advanced state.
While change can be sudden and disruptive, development is often viewed as a gradual process. Change can happen quickly, like the change in weather, whereas development tends to imply a series of changes that contribute to a more complex or improved state over time, such as the development of a city.
Change does not necessarily mean progress; it simply means something different than before. It does not imply better or worse, just different. Development is generally associated with positive change, signifying an improvement or enhancement, such as in skills, technology, or quality of life.
In terms of scope, change can be small-scale or large-scale. One can change their mind, or a country can change its policies. Development usually refers to a more significant, system-wide progression, such as the development of a nation's economy or an individual's personal development through education and experience.
It is also worth noting that while all development involves change, not all change constitutes development. Development is directional, purposeful change towards growth or advancement. Change is neutral; it is the act of becoming different without any judgment of that difference.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Implies improvement or growth.
Timeframe
Can be immediate or over time.
Generally occurs over a longer period.
Outcome
No implication of betterment.
Suggests a progressive outcome.
Scale
Can be micro or macro in scope.
Often associated with larger-scale processes.
Direction
Neutral shift in state or condition.
Directed towards a specific goal or purpose.
Compare with Definitions
Change
To undergo a transformation
The caterpillar will change into a butterfly.
Development
The process of growing or improving
The development of her musical talent began at a young age.
Change
To exchange one thing for another
He needs to change his ticket to a later flight.
Development
A specified state of growth or advancement
The software is in the final stages of development.
Change
To cause to be different; alter
We decided to change the color of the walls. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
Development
Progression from a simpler to a more complex form
The child's language development impressed everyone.
Change
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
Development
The systematic use of resources to achieve greater results
Economic development is crucial for the country's future.
Change
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
Development
The process of developing or being developed
The paintings provide evidence of his artistic development
She traces the development of the novel
Change
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
Development
An event constituting a new stage in a changing situation
I don't think there have been any new developments since yesterday
Change
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
Development
The process of converting land to a new purpose by constructing buildings or making use of its resources
Land suitable for development
Change
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
Development
The process of starting to be affected by an ailment or feeling
The development of brittle bones
Change
To give or receive the equivalent of (money) in lower denominations or in foreign currency
This machine will change dollar bills into coins. At the airport, the traveler changed British pounds into euros.
Development
The process of treating photographic film with chemicals to make a visible image
Agitation is carried out while a film is processed to ensure even development
Change
To put fresh clothes or coverings on
It's your turn to change the baby. I'll show you how to change the bed.
Development
The process of bringing one's pieces into play in the opening phase of a game
I sought to take advantage of Black's defective development
Change
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
Development
The application of techniques or technology to the production of new goods or services.
Change
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
Development
The business of constructing buildings or otherwise altering land for new uses.
Change
To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons.
Development
A significant event, occurrence, or change
A news story covering the latest developments in the scandal.
Change
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
Development
A group of dwellings built by the same contractor
Bought a condo in a new development built by the river.
Change
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
Development
The organized activity of soliciting donations or grants; fundraising.
Change
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
Development
Elaboration of a theme with rhythmic and harmonic variations.
Change
To become deeper in tone
His voice began to change at age 13.
Development
The central section of a movement in sonata form, in which the theme is elaborated and explored.
Change
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
Development
(uncountable) The process of developing; growth, directed change.
The development of this story has been slow.
Change
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
Development
The process by which a mature multicellular organism or part of an organism is produced by the addition of new cells.
The organism has reached a crucial stage in its development.
Change
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
Development
(countable) Something which has developed.
Our news team brings you the latest developments.
Change
Something different; variety
Ate early for a change.
Development
A project consisting of one or more commercial or residential buildings.
Change
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
Development
The building of such a project.
Change
Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange for money of higher denomination
Will you give me change of four quarters for a dollar?.
Development
(uncountable) The application of new ideas to practical problems (cf. research).
Our development department has produced three new adhesives this year.
Change
The balance of money returned when an amount given is more than what is due
I paid $3 for the coffee that cost $2.50, so I received 50 cents in change.
Development
The active placement of the pieces, or the process of achieving it.
White's development is good, but black's has been hampered by the pawn on e5.
Change
Coins
Loose change was jingling in my pocket.
Development
(music) The process by in which previous material is transformed and restated.
Change
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
Development
(music) The second section of a piece of music in sonata form, in which the original theme is revisited in altered and varying form.
Change
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
Development
(math) The expression of a function in the form of a series.
Change
A market or exchange where business is transacted.
Development
The act of developing or disclosing that which is unknown; a gradual unfolding process by which anything is developed, as a plan or method, or an image upon a photographic plate; gradual advancement or growth through a series of progressive changes; also, the result of developing, or a developed state.
A new development of imagination, taste, and poetry.
Change
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
Development
The series of changes which animal and vegetable organisms undergo in their passage from the embryonic state to maturity, from a lower to a higher state of organization.
Change
To make something into something else.
The fairy changed the frog into a prince.
I had to change the wording of the ad so it would fit.
Development
The act or process of changing or expanding an expression into another of equivalent value or meaning.
Change
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
Development
The elaboration of a theme or subject; the unfolding of a musical idea; the evolution of a whole piece or movement from a leading theme or motive.
Change
(intransitive) To replace one's clothing.
You can't go into the dressing room while she's changing.
The clowns changed into their costumes before the circus started.
Development
A tract of land on which a number of buildings have been constructed; - especially used for tract on which from two to hundreds of houses have been constructed by a commercial developer{4} for sale to individuals.
Change
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
Development
Act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining;
He congratulated them on their development of a plan to meet the emergency
They funded research and development
Change
(intransitive) To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)
Development
A process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage);
The development of his ideas took many years
The evolution of Greek civilization
The slow development of her skill as a writer
Change
(archaic) To exchange.
Development
A recent event that has some relevance for the present situation;
Recent developments in Iraq
What a revolting development!
Change
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
Development
The act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful;
The development of Alaskan resources
The exploitation of copper deposits
Change
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
Development
A district that has been developed to serve some purpose;
Such land is practical for small park developments
Change
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
Development
A state in which things are improving; the result of developing (as in the early part of a game of chess);
After he saw the latest development he changed his mind and became a supporter
In chess your should take care of your development before moving your queen
Change
(countable) A replacement.
A change of clothes
Development
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level;
He proposed an indicator of osseous development in children
Change
(uncountable) Balance of money returned from the sum paid after deducting the price of a purchase.
A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a £9 item receives one pound in change.
Development
Processing a photosensitive material in order to make an image visible;
The development and printing of his pictures took only two hours
Change
(uncountable) An amount of cash, usually in the form of coins, but sometimes inclusive of paper money.
Do you have any change on you? I need to make a phone call.
This bus ride requires exact change.
Development
The act of elaborating or expanding something
The development of the plot was intriguing.
Change
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
Change
(baseball) A change-up pitch.
Change
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
Change
To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
Therefore will I change their glory into shame.
Change
To alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one's occupation; to change one's intention.
They that do change old love for new,Pray gods, they change for worse!
Change
To give and take reciprocally; to exchange; - followed by with; as, to change place, or hats, or money, with another.
Look upon those thousands with whom thou wouldst not, for any interest, change thy fortune and condition.
Change
Specifically: To give, or receive, smaller denominations of money (technically called change) for; as, to change a gold coin or a bank bill.
He pulled out a thirty-pound note and bid me change it.
Change
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
Change
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
Change
Any variation or alteration; a passing from one state or form to another; as, a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.
Apprehensions of a change of dynasty.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Change
A succesion or substitution of one thing in the place of another; a difference; novelty; variety; as, a change of seasons.
Our fathers did for change to France repair.
The ringing grooves of change.
Change
A passing from one phase to another; as, a change of the moon.
Change
Alteration in the order of a series; permutation.
Change
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
Change
Small money; the money by means of which the larger coins and bank bills are made available in small dealings; hence, the balance returned when payment is tendered by a coin or note exceeding the sum due.
Change
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
They call an alehouse a change.
Change
Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.
Change
An event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another;
The change was intended to increase sales
This storm is certainly a change for the worse
The neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago
Change
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
Change
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
Change
The result of alteration or modification;
There were marked changes in the lining of the lungs
There had been no change in the mountains
Change
The balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due;
I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change
Change
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
Change
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
Change
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of change
Change
Money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency;
He got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver
Change
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
Change
Undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature;
She changed completely as she grew older
The weather changed last night
Change
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Change
Make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence;
Her mood changes in accordance with the weather
The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
Change
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Change
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
Change
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Change
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
Change
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
Change
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
Change
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
Change
To make or become different
The company decided to change its marketing strategy.
Change
To replace something with another
She decided to change the red dress for a blue one.
Change
To alter in terms of direction
The wind will change direction by noon.
Common Curiosities
Is change always intentional?
No, change can be both intentional and unintentional.
What is the fundamental meaning of change?
Change is the act or instance of making or becoming different.
How can change be identified?
Change can be identified through a comparison of past and present states or conditions.
What does change imply in a business context?
In business, change often refers to shifts in strategy, structure, or processes.
Can change be reversible?
Some changes are reversible, while others are permanent.
Is development always a positive outcome?
Development is generally seen as positive, but the perception can vary based on context and individual values.
Does development require planning?
Development typically requires careful planning and execution.
Can development occur without change?
No, development cannot occur without change, as it is a form of change itself.
Can development be sustainable?
Sustainable development is a goal that aims for progress without depleting resources for future generations.
What is development typically associated with?
Development is typically associated with growth, progress, or evolution.
What are some indicators of development?
Indicators of development include increased complexity, efficiency, or sophistication.
How are change and development measured?
Change is measured by the difference between states, while development is often measured by growth or advancement metrics.
In what contexts is development used most frequently?
Development is commonly used in contexts such as economics, urban planning, technology, and personal growth.
How do change and development affect organizations?
Organizations must adapt to change to survive, while they pursue development to thrive and grow competitively.
What is the role of innovation in change and development?
Innovation is a key driver for both change and development, leading to new methods, ideas, or products.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
