alteration
B2Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A change or modification made to something.
The action or process of making a change; a state of being changed. Can refer to minor adjustments in objects, plans, or conditions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a change that is not fundamental or total; a modification rather than a complete transformation. Commonly associated with physical changes to objects (like clothes) or slight changes to plans/agreements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and some collocational preferences are identical. The word is used with equal frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In tailoring contexts, slightly more established in UK usage due to historical tailoring traditions.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, with no significant disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
alteration to [noun]alteration in [noun]alteration of [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a stitch in time saves nine (relates to making timely alterations)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to changes in contracts, plans, or business models (e.g., 'We require a minor alteration to the delivery schedule').
Academic
Used in scientific writing to describe modifications to methods or theories (e.g., 'The hypothesis required alteration after the new data emerged').
Everyday
Commonly used for changes to clothing or personal plans (e.g., 'I need an alteration on this dress').
Technical
In fields like construction or IT, refers to planned changes to structures or code (e.g., 'The building plans submitted for alteration').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tailor will alter the suit.
- Can we alter the meeting time?
American English
- We need to alter the document.
- He altered his appearance completely.
adverb
British English
- The plan was alterably vague.
- He spoke alterably, leaving room for changes.
American English
- The rules are applied alterably in different states.
- She alterably agreed to the new terms.
adjective
British English
- The alterable terms of the contract were discussed.
- This design is easily alterable.
American English
- The schedule is alterable if needed.
- She provided alterable instructions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dress was too long, so I need an alteration.
- We made a small alteration to the recipe.
- The architect suggested a minor alteration to the design.
- Any alteration to the plan must be approved.
- The sudden alteration in his behaviour concerned his friends.
- The contract is binding and permits no alteration.
- The geopolitical landscape has undergone a profound alteration in the last decade.
- Her thesis argued that the alteration in the manuscript was a deliberate act of censorship.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ALTAR - you might need to make an ALTERation to its arrangement for a ceremony. Both relate to change.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS MOVEMENT (e.g., 'a shift', 'a turn of events'); OBJECTS ARE MUTABLE (can be reshaped).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'альтерация' (a false friend; this is a technical medical/biological term). Use 'изменение' or 'переделка'.
- Do not confuse with 'alternation' (чередование).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'altaration' or 'allteration'.
- Using 'alteration' when 'alternative' is meant (e.g., 'We need an alteration route' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'alteration' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can refer to non-physical changes like plans, ideas, or conditions, though it often implies a tangible or specific modification.
'Alteration' often suggests a deliberate, specific modification, while 'change' is more general and can be total or fundamental.
No, the verb form is 'to alter'. 'Alteration' is strictly a noun.
Yes, 'make an alteration' is a very common and correct collocation.