English Reference
Noun

alteration

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌɔɫtɝˈeɪʃən/ UK /ˌɒltəɹˈeɪʃən/ al·ter·ation UK spelling alteration's, alteration's

n.a small change to something, such as clothes or a plan. You use this when you modify an existing thing rather than replacing it completely.

n.a minor modification or adjustment to an existing object, plan, or state. Often implies a change in form or appearance rather than a complete replacement.


SIMPLE

The tailor made a small alteration to the jacket.

CONTEXTUAL

She requested an alteration to the contract before signing the final agreement.

COMPLEX

The building underwent significant alteration during the renovation, blending modern glass elements with the original stone façade.

Among the most frequent effects are blurred vision , the appearance of a central dark spot or blind spot (scotoma), distorted perception of straight lines, known as metamorphopsia , and alterations in colour perception.

The Local· 14 Aug 2026

The finding is odd because these magnesium-rich phyllosilicates indicate extensive alteration caused by liquid water.

Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

From Old French alteracion (French altération), from Medieval Latin alterātiō. Morphologically alter + -ation.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-med alterātiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated