change
English meaning: Change
Definition
To make or become different, or to replace one thing with another. It is fundamental to describing transformation.
Example
“We had to change our plans when the weather suddenly turned bad.”
Another example: “After hearing her side, he had a complete change of heart.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A core verb (and noun) meaning to make or become different, or to exchange; note 'change into', 'change your mind', and the money sense ('small change'). Phrasal 'change over'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'changier', from Latin 'cambiare' (to exchange).
Related Words
Common Collocations
- change your mind
- make a change
- change hands
- small change
- change of heart
Word Forms
change (v, n); changes; changed; changing
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B