Word
alteration
Phoneticsal·ter·ation
US/ˌɔɫtɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/ˌɒltəɹˈeɪʃən/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The tailor made a small alteration to the jacket.”
“She requested an alteration to the contract before signing the final agreement.”
“The building underwent significant alteration during the renovation, blending modern glass elements with the original stone façade.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“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 finding is odd because these magnesium-rich phyllosilicates indicate extensive alteration caused by liquid water.” Etymology
From Old French alteracion (French altération), from Medieval Latin alterātiō. Morphologically alter + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/alteration