Main Entry: change
Function:verb
Etymology:Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked
Date: 13th century

transitive verb
1 a : to make different in some particular : ALTER *never bothered to change the will* b : to make radically different : TRANSFORM *can't change human nature* c : to give a different position, course, or direction to
2 a : to replace with another *let's change the subject* b : to make a shift from one to another : SWITCH *always changes sides in an argument* c : to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency) *change a 20-dollar bill* d : to undergo a modification of *foliage changing color* e : to put fresh clothes or covering on *change a bed*

intransitive verb
1 : to become different *her mood changes every hour*
2 of the moon : to pass from one phase to another

3 : to shift one's means of conveyance : TRANSFER *on the bus trip he had to change twice*
4 of the voice : to shift to lower register : BREAK
5 : to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution *winter changed to spring*
6 : to put on different clothes *need a few minutes to change for dinner*
7 : EXCHANGE, SWITCH *neither liked his seat so they changed with each other*
–changŁer noun
–change hands : to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another *money changes hands many times*

synonyms CHANGE, ALTER, VARY, MODIFY mean to make or become different. CHANGE implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another *changed the shirt for a larger size*. ALTER implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity *slightly altered the original design*. VARY stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition *vary your daily routine*. MODIFY suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose *modified the building for use by the disabled*.