R E F E R E N C E S
1 Change vb changed; changing [ME, fr. OF changier, fr. L cambiare to exchange, prob. of Celt origin; akin to OIr camm crooked] vt [13c] 1a: to make different in some particular: Alter [never bothered to __ the will] b: to make radically different: Transform [can't __ human nature} c: to give a different position, course, or direction to 2a: to replace with another [let's __ the subject] b: to make a shift from one to another: Switch [always __s sides in an argument] c: to exchange for an equivalent sum or comparable item d: to undergo a modification of [foliage changing color] e: to put fresh clothes or covering on [__ a bed] -vi 1: to become different [her mood __s every hour] 2 of the moon: to pass from one phase to another 3: to shift one's means of conveyance: Transfer [on the bus trip he had to __twice} 4 of the voice: to shift to lower register: Break 5: to undergo transformation, transition, or substituion [winter changed to spring] 6: to put on different clothes 7: Exchange, Switch [neither liked his seat so they changed with each other] changer n -change hands: to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another [money changes hands many times]
-syn. 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 large 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 handicapped].
2 Change n [13c] 1: the act, process, or result of changing: as a: Alteration [a __ in the weather] b: Tranformation [a time of vast social __] [going through __s] c: Substitution [a __ 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 2: a fresh set of clothes 3 Brit: Exchange 5a: 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 esp. of low denominations [a pocketful of __] d: a negligible additional amount [only six minutes and __ left in the game] 5: an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing 6: Change up
1 Changeable adj. (13c) capable of change: as a: able to or apt to vary [ __ weather] b: subject to change: Alterable c: Fickle. d: Iridescent.
[Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition. Springfield, MA, USA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 1995.]
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