Alter means to make a small change in something. We often alter clothes or plans to improve them or make them fit better.
I will alter this shirt to fit better.
They altered the plan for the trip.
Alter also means to change clothes by sewing to make them fit better or look different. This is common with dresses or pants.
She altered her dress for the party.
My jeans were altered by the tailor.
Alter can mean to change how something works or behaves. For example, laws or medicines may alter something important.
The new law will alter how we pay taxes.
This medicine can alter your mood.
Alter can mean that something changes by itself or over time. For example, a voice or weather can alter naturally.
As you grow older, your voice may alter.
Weather can alter quickly in the mountains.
Alter means to change parts of official documents or rules. These changes are often important and must be done carefully.
They altered the contract before signing it.
The rules were altered by the committee.
Alter in biology means to change the genes or structure of living things. This is often done in science labs.
Scientists altered the DNA in the lab.
Genetic engineering alters plants for better growth.
As a noun, 'alter' is a rare and old word that means a spirit or demon. This use is very uncommon today.
The old texts mentioned an alter near the river.
In myths, alters were spirits of nature.
