Change Definition and Meaning
By Fiza Rafique & Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on February 29, 2024
"Change" refers to making or becoming different, altering in form, appearance, nature, or character. e.g., He decided to change his hairstyle.
Table of Contents
Change Definitions
Alteration or Modification: Change means to make something different.
She will change the design to make it more appealing.
Transition or Transformation: Change refers to a process of becoming different.
The caterpillar will change into a butterfly.
Variation or Shift: Change can mean a shift in position, direction, or tendency.
The wind will change direction by evening.
Amend or Revise: Change means to amend or revise something.
The company will change its policies next year.
Substitute or Swap: Change implies substituting one thing for another.
Can we change our seats?
Convert or Adapt: Change means to convert something into a different form.
He will change the room into an office.
Personal Development: Change refers to personal growth or development.
She embraced the change in her lifestyle.
Exchange or Replace: Change involves replacing one thing with another.
I need to change the flat tire.
Small Coins: Change also refers to coins as opposed to paper money.
Do you have change for a ten-dollar bill?
Adjust or Adapt: Change involves adjusting or adapting to new conditions.
The team had to change their strategy mid-game.
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.
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
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.
To put fresh clothes or coverings on
It's your turn to change the baby. I'll show you how to change the bed.
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons.
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
To become deeper in tone
His voice began to change at age 13.
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
Something different; variety
Ate early for a change.
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
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?.
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.
Coins
Loose change was jingling in my pocket.
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
A market or exchange where business is transacted.
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
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.
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
(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.
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
(intransitive) To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)
(archaic) To exchange.
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
(countable) A replacement.
A change of clothes
(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.
(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.
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
(baseball) A change-up pitch.
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
A public house; an alehouse.
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.
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!
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.
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.
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
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.
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.
A passing from one phase to another; as, a change of the moon.
Alteration in the order of a series; permutation.
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
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.
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
A public house; an alehouse.
They call an alehouse a 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.
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
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
The result of alteration or modification;
There were marked changes in the lining of the lungs
There had been no change in the mountains
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
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of 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
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
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
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
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
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
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
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
Change Snonyms
Alter
To make different without changing into something else.
We need to alter the plans to accommodate more guests.
Modify
To make partial changes to something.
She modified the recipe to make it healthier.
Transform
To change completely in appearance or form.
The renovation transformed the old factory into luxury apartments.
Revise
To reconsider and alter (something) in light of further evidence.
The manuscript was revised several times before publication.
Adjust
To change something slightly in order to make it fit, work, or be more suitable.
He adjusted the settings on the camera for better photos.
Convert
To change something into a different form or properties.
The program converts the document into a PDF file.
Shift
To change the place, position, or direction of something.
The discussion shifted towards a more controversial topic.
Evolve
To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
His musical style has evolved over the years.
Vary
To change or alter in character or quantity.
Prices can vary depending on the season.
Amend
To make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.
The constitution was amended to allow women to vote.
Change Idioms & Phrases
Change of heart
A shift in one's opinion or feelings.
After seeing the shelter's work, he had a change of heart about adopting a pet.
Change hands
To pass from one owner to another.
The historic mansion changed hands several times over the last century.
Change of pace
A switch to something different, especially to avoid monotony.
We decided to vacation in the mountains for a change of pace from beach holidays.
Change of scenery
Moving to a different place to experience a new environment.
After years in the city, he felt he needed a change of scenery.
Change the subject
To start talking about something different to avoid discomfort or boredom.
When the topic of finances came up, she quickly changed the subject.
Change gears
To suddenly change one's approach or attitude.
The team had to change gears when the original plan failed.
Change for the better
To improve or become better.
His attitude has really changed for the better since he started his new job.
Change one's tune
To alter one's opinion or attitude, usually abruptly.
Once he saw the evidence, he quickly changed his tune.
Change the game
To significantly alter the way something is done.
The new technology could change the game in renewable energy.
Small change
Referring to something of little importance or value.
For a millionaire, a few thousand dollars is just small change.
Change one's stripes
To completely change one's nature, usually improbably.
It's unlikely he'll change his stripes and start being cooperative.
Change the face of
To transform the nature or appearance of something dramatically.
The new mayor promised to change the face of the city.
Coin a change
To introduce a new phrase or concept.
The author coined a change in the way we think about productivity.
A sea change
A profound or notable transformation.
The election results marked a sea change in the country's politics.
Change your ways
To alter one's behavior or habits, especially for the better.
He knew that to improve his health, he needed to change his ways.
Change tack
To adopt a different method or approach.
When negotiations stalled, they decided to change tack.
Change of plan
A situation where an established plan is altered.
Due to the weather, there's been a change of plan for our weekend outing.
Chump change
An amount of money that is considered trivial or insignificant.
For a billionaire, a few thousand is just chump change.
Ring the changes
To do something in a variety of different ways to make it more interesting.
The chef likes to ring the changes with the menu every season.
Change one's spots
Similar to "change one's stripes," referring to changing one's inherent characteristics.
A leopard can't change its spots, and he's unlikely to become altruistic overnight.
Change Example Sentences
You can change the TV channel if you like.
The chameleon can change its color.
The store allows you to change your purchase.
I need to change into comfortable clothes.
The leaves change color in the fall.
He had to change his plans due to the weather.
She decided to change her major in college.
The artist decided to change the painting's theme.
After the movie, his perspective started to change.
The city will change the street layout.
They had to change the venue at the last minute.
The new law will bring a big change.
The coach decided to change the team's formation.
She felt a change in the room's atmosphere.
The app allows you to change settings easily.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called change?
Change comes from the Latin word cambire, meaning to exchange or barter, which evolved into change in English, indicating alteration or transformation.
How do we divide change into syllables?
As a single-syllable word, change is not divided into syllables.
How is change used in a sentence?
Example: We need to change the way we think about energy.
What is the pronunciation of change?
Change is pronounced as /ʧeɪndʒ/.
What is the verb form of change?
The verb form is to change, as in changing something.
What is a stressed syllable in change?
In change, the entire word forms a single stressed syllable.
What is another term for change?
Another term for change is alteration or modification.
How many syllables are in change?
There is one syllable in change.
What is the third form of change?
The third form (past participle) of change is changed.
Is change an abstract noun?
As a noun, change can be both abstract (concept of change) and concrete (coins as change).
What is the first form of change?
The first form (base form) of change is change.
What is the plural form of change?
The plural form is changes.
What is the opposite of change?
The opposite of change can be stasis, constancy, or remain.
Is change a negative or positive word?
Change is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
Is the word change Gerund?
Changing is the gerund form of the verb change.
Which determiner is used with change?
Determiners like the, a, some, any can be used with change.
What is the root word of change?
The root word of change is the Latin cambire.
What is the singular form of change?
The singular form is change.
Is change an adverb?
Change is not an adverb.
What is the second form of change?
The second form (past tense) of change is changed.
Is change a vowel or consonant?
Change is a word consisting of both vowels and consonants.
Is the word change imperative?
Change can be imperative when used as a command, e.g., Change your attitude.
Is change a noun or adjective?
Change is primarily a verb and a noun, not an adjective.
Is change a countable noun?
As a noun, change can be both countable and uncountable, depending on context.
Is change a collective noun?
Change is not typically a collective noun.
Is the change term a metaphor?
Change can be used metaphorically in various contexts.
Is the word “change” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Change can be used as a direct object in a sentence, e.g., She made a change.
Which preposition is used with change?
Prepositions like in, to, with can be used with change.
Which conjunction is used with change?
Conjunctions like and, but, or because can be used with change.
What part of speech is change?
Change can be a verb, noun, or in rare contexts, an adjective.
Which vowel is used before change?
There's no specific vowel used before change; it depends on the sentence structure.
Which article is used with change?
Both definite (the) and indefinite (a, an) articles can be used with change, depending on context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-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.
