change
/tʃeɪndʒ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
An act or process of becoming different. It can be a small adjustment or a big shift in situation, shape, or idea.
- We need a change in our plan.
- The city has changed a lot.
verb
To make or become different. It can also mean to replace one thing with another, or to move from one form to another.
- She changed her shirt.
- Please change the date on the file.
Adinary Nuance
Change is broad and neutral. It can mean any difference, from a small edit to a major life shift. Use alter for a smaller, more exact edit, and transform for a bigger or stronger change. Change is the safest everyday word when you do not want to sound too formal.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thay đổi
- Spanish
- cambio
- Chinese
- 改变
- Japanese
- 変化
- Korean
- 변화
Etymology
Middle English change, from Old French changer, based on Latin cambiare, meaning 'to exchange'. The word has kept both meanings: becoming different and swapping one thing for another.
Common phrases
change of planschange your mindchange handschange for the better
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is change formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in speaking, writing, and business English.
- What is the difference between change and alter?
- Change is broader. Alter usually means a smaller or more exact change.
- Can I say change my mind?
- Yes. It means you decide something different from before.
- Is change a common word in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It is very common and useful in academic and general English.