change meaning and definition

CHANGE noun

Definition of change (noun)

1. an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
   • "the change was intended to increase sales"; "this storm is certainly a change for the worse"; "the neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago"
   • synonyms: alteration, modification
2. a relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event
   • "he attributed the change to their marriage"
3. the action of changing something
   • "the change of government had no impact on the economy"; "his change on abortion cost him the election"
4. the result of alteration or modification
   • "there were marked changes in the lining of the lungs"; "there had been no change in the mountains"
5. the balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due
   • "I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change"
6. a thing that is different
   • "he inspected several changes before selecting one"
7. a different or fresh set of clothes
   • "she brought a change in her overnight bag"
8. coins of small denomination regarded collectively
   • "he had a pocketful of change"
9. money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency
   • "he got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver"
10. a difference that is usually pleasant
    • "he goes to France for variety"; "it is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic"
    • synonyms: variety

CHANGE verb

Definition of change (verb)

1. cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
   • "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue"
   • synonyms: alter, modify
2. undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
   • "She changed completely as she grew older"; "The weather changed last night"
   • antonym: remain
3. become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
   • "her mood changes in accordance with the weather"; "The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season"
   • synonyms: alter, vary
4. lay aside, abandon, or leave for another
   • "switch to a different brand of beer"; "She switched psychiatrists"; "The car changed lanes"
   • synonyms: shift, switch
5. change clothes; put on different clothes
   • "Change before you go to the opera"
6. exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
   • "Could you convert my dollars into pounds?"; "He changed his name"; "convert centimeters into inches"; "convert holdings into shares"
   • synonyms: commute, convert, exchange
7. give to, and receive from, one another
   • "Would you change places with me?"; "We have been exchanging letters for a year"
   • synonyms: exchange, interchange
8. change from one vehicle or transportation line to another
   • "She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast"
   • synonyms: transfer
9. become deeper in tone
   • "His voice began to change when he was 12 years old"; "Her voice deepened when she whispered the password"
   • synonyms: deepen
10. remove or replace the coverings of
    • "Father had to learn how to change the baby"; "After each guest we changed the bed linens"