# changes

/ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/ (US) · /tʃˈeɪndʒɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/changes
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to become different

verb · CEFR A1

to become different or to make something different.

For teachers: to undergo a transformation or to cause something to be modified in nature, appearance, or character.

- The weather changes very quickly in the mountains during the spring.
- The landscape changes dramatically as the train climbs higher into the alpine regions, shifting from lush forests to barren rock.

### 2. modifications or shifts

noun · CEFR A2

the act of making something different, or new things that have happened.

For teachers: the plural form of the act or instance of making or becoming different.

- The company made some big changes to the office layout last month.
- The proposed changes to the urban planning policy were met with significant resistance from local residents who feared increased traffic congestion.

### 3. musical chord sequences

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the series of chords that a musician plays in a jazz song.

For teachers: the sequence of chord progressions in a musical composition, particularly in jazz improvisation.

- The piano player followed the changes perfectly during his solo.
- The soloist navigated the complex changes of the bebop standard with remarkable fluidly, demonstrating a deep understanding of the underlying harmonic structure.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'the changes' or 'playing the changes'.

### 4. coins or small money

noun · CEFR A2

different amounts of money in the form of coins rather than paper notes.

For teachers: the plural use of 'change' referring to multiple instances of coins or small denominations of currency.

- He checked his pockets for any loose changes to pay for the bus.
- The cashier counted out the small changes carefully, ensuring the customer received the exact amount owed from the transaction.

## Examples

- The weather changes quickly in the mountains.
- The new manager plans to make several changes to the office schedule to improve productivity.
- Sociologists argue that rapid technological changes are fundamentally altering the way humans interact within their local communities and across global networks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.