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Definition change in British English

change verb

verb
/tʃeɪndʒ/

▪ completely, considerably, dramatically, drastically, fundamentally, radically, significantly

Other ways of saying change

alter a more formal word for ‘change’: His election could alter the balance of power in the region.

adjust to change something slightly so that it is exactly the way you want it: You adjust the volume using the remote control.Can you adjust the height of the seat?

adapt to change something to deal with a specific situation: The recipes can be adapted for vegetarians.They need to adapt their military forces to the needs of the post-Cold War situation.

convert to change something so that it can be used for a different purpose: We’re going to convert the spare room into a study.

modify to make small changes, for example to a machine or system, in order to make something suitable for a different situation: The exhaust system has to be modified to meet new emission standards.

transform to change something completely so that it looks or works much better: Putting in a larger kitchen has completely transformed the house.new discoveries that could transform the way we treat cancer

vary to make continuous or repeated changes to something: It’s important to vary your diet.

1

to become different, or to make someone or something different

Example

Some things never change.

Example

After a few days the weather changed dramatically.

Example

The law was changed in 1989.

Example

the changing role of women in the workplace

Example

The school has changed little since it was built 30 years ago.

Example

The town has changed from a small fishing port to a bustling tourist attraction.

Synonyms and related words
transition change make into transition change turn into
1.1

if the wind changes, it starts coming from a different direction

Synonyms and related words
back away draw back part
1.2

to become a different colour

Example

The signal changed from green to red.

Example

The leaves are already starting to change colour.

Synonyms and related words
blacken bleach bleed
2

to stop doing one thing and start doing something different

Example

Dave said he might be changing jobs.

Example

I changed the order to once a year instead of quarterly.

Example

Consumers are increasingly changing to low-fat milk.

Synonyms and related words
strike out branch out pioneer
3

to replace something with a new or different thing

Example

I'm sick of these curtains - let's change them.

Example

Can you help me change a tyre?

Synonyms and related words
replace change renew
3.1

if you change a bed or change the sheets, you put clean sheets, covers etc on the bed

Synonyms and related words
clean up clear out clean
3.2

if you change a baby or change its nappy, you take off the dirty nappy and put a clean one on

Synonyms and related words
baby milk baby talk babywearing
3.3

if you change something you have bought, you take it back to the shop and get a different one

Example

I'm going to take that shirt back and change it: I don't like the colour.

Example

Why don't you change it for something else?

Synonyms and related words
showroom shop shop around
3.4

if you change someone who performs a service for you, you use someone else

Example

Have you changed your hairdresser?

Synonyms and related words
replace change renew
4

to exchange money from one country for money with the same value from another country

Example

I need to change some dollars into pesos.

Synonyms and related words
a run on something base currency basket
4.1

to exchange a note or coin of high value for notes or coins of lower value

Example

Can anyone change a ten pound note?

Synonyms and related words
banknote bill bread
5

to take off the clothes or a piece of clothing you are wearing and put on different ones

Example

Hang on, I'll just go and change.

Example

I had a bath and changed my clothes.

Example

You should change into some dry socks.

Example

He went straight upstairs to change out of his good suit.

Example

Have I got time to get changed before we go?

Synonyms and related words
change disrobe divest yourself of something
6

to leave one plane, train, bus etc to get on another

Example

You'll have to change at Manchester.

Example

We changed planes in Paris.

Synonyms and related words
get on onto transfer
7

to start to behave much better

Example

If he wants to become a student at this school, he must change his ways.

Definition change in British English

Related Words

Words related to change:

a change for the (phrase) a change of clothes/socks/underwear etc (phrase) a change of (phrase) a change of heart (phrase) a change of (phrase) a leopard can’t change its spots (phrase) all change (phrase) bureau de change (noun) change (verb) change (noun) change agent (noun) change around (phrasal verb) change back (phrasal verb) change blindness (noun) change (phrase) change down (phrasal verb) change ends (phrase) change for the (phrase) change gear/gears (phrase) change hands (phrase) change horses in midstream (phrase) change into (phrasal verb) change machine (noun) change over (phrasal verb) change purse (noun) change sides (phrase) change up (phrasal verb) change your mind (phrase) change your story (phrase) change your tune (phrase) change mind (about something) (phrase) places (with someone) (phrase) chop and change (phrase) climate change (noun) for a change (phrase) it makes a change (phrase) loose change (noun) not change your spots (phrase) oil change () plus ça change (interjection) regime change (noun) sex change (noun) short-change (verb) small change (noun) spare change (phrase) step change (noun) the change of life (noun) winds of change (phrase)