change
To become different, or the act of becoming different.
Word facts
Definition
To change means to become different or to make something different. As a noun, a change is a difference between one state and another. Change can be gradual or sudden, small or large, expected or surprising.
Usage: Change can be a verb (I changed my mind) or a noun (this was a big change). The phrase 'change of heart' means a shift in how someone feels about something important.
Example sentences
The weather can change quickly in the mountains — sunshine in the morning, snow by afternoon.
She decided to change her approach after the first attempt didn't produce results.
The town had changed so much that he barely recognized it after ten years away.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
From Old French changer and Latin cambiare ('to exchange'). The original meaning was about trading or swapping one thing for another — a change was an exchange.
Change contains the word 'hang' — things that change are things that used to hang in one place and then swung somewhere else.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
Is change a verb or noun?
Change is both. As a verb: She changed her plans. As a noun: That was a significant change.
What is the difference between change and exchange?
Change means becoming different or making something different. Exchange means trading — giving one thing and receiving another in return.
How many syllables does change have?
Change has one syllable.
What part of speech is change?
Change functions as both a verb and a noun depending on how it is used in a sentence.