Word which means change

Verb



He changed from an optimist to a pessimist.



The town has changed little in recent years.



These events have changed me in my attitude to life.



You can’t change human nature.



Their relationship seems to have changed for the better.



The leaves change color from green to red in the fall.



She changed her name when she got married.



France has changed its monetary unit from the franc to the euro.



change the channel on the TV

Noun



There has been little if any change in her daily routine.



You shouldn’t be afraid of change. Change is a natural part of life.



The years have brought many changes to the town’s economy.



We need to make some changes in the system.



Many voters believe that it’s time for a change.



We’ve had to make a slight change in the schedule.



a change for the worse



We’ve been so busy that a quiet day at home was a welcome change.



We eat at home a lot, so dining out sometimes is a nice change.



Have you got change for a $10 bill?

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Recent Examples on the Web



But the warm week still signals change.


Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2023





Ricky, 46, says he was routinely cursed and yelled at by an elderly client and has never been paid as much as minimum wage for changing bedpans and diapers, among other chores.


Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2023





The bill that would require the Oregon state Legislature to approve a state public university changing athletic conferences died in committee.


oregonlive, 8 Apr. 2023





Timing of Meals Recent studies have shown that changing the timing of meals and the length of breaks between meals may help boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.


Mary Shomon, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2023





Republicans on Tuesday approved a broad bathroom bill that would also prevent transgender people from changing the gender on their driver’s licenses.


John Hanna, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Apr. 2023





The infotainment system’s visuals are powered by the latest iteration of Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, and the video-game inspiration is clear, with flashy graphics highlighting different sections of the car depending on what’s being changed.


Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 7 Apr. 2023





What follows is Forbes’ list of Arizona billionaires as of April 6, with rankings and wealth totals subject to revision as stock prices change.


Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2023





The state’s analysis was also criticized for not including a sensitivity analysis, a method of proving that the results remain consistent even when changing some of the assumptions used in the calculations.


Christopher O’donnell, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2023




Madison County was second with a net gain of around 400 people due to natural change, with Shelby County, a major suburban area in the Birmingham-Hoover metro, just behind.


Ramsey Archibald | Rarchibald@al.com, al, 9 Apr. 2023





The drive should take about an hour and change.


Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2023





Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threw a hissy fit this week after learning that Disney had outwitted him — quietly pushing through changes that would prevent DeSantis’ Disney oversight board from regulating the Mouse House’s district for decades.


Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2023





Lee Sung Jin was announced to have taken over writing duties on the script just a week and change before Beef was released into the world.


Evan Romano, Men’s Health, 9 Apr. 2023





If upheld, Kacsmaryk’s 67-page decision would also dismantle recent FDA changes designed to ease access to mifepristone, particularly a 2021 switch that allowed the drug to be sent through the mail.


Matthew Perrone, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Apr. 2023





Repeating affirmations, or positive mantras, are scientifically proven to decrease stress, increase quality of life, improve academic and work performance, and overall, make people more open to behavior changes, according to neuroscientific studies.


Jacqueline Tempera, Women’s Health, 7 Apr. 2023





From product scaling to organizational change.


François Candelon, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2023





The unclassified summary of the withdrawal review contains references to two subsequent policy changes that indicate the administration should have begun the evacuation of Americans sooner and that the risks of a Taliban takeover should have been better communicated.


Luis Martinez, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2023



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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘change.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.

This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.


verb (used with object), changed, chang·ing.

to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: to change one’s name;to change one’s opinion;to change the course of history.

to transform or convert (usually followed by into): The witch changed the prince into a toad.

to substitute another or others for; exchange for something else, usually of the same kind: She changed her shoes when she got home from the office.

to give and take reciprocally; interchange: to change places with someone.

to transfer from one (conveyance) to another: You’ll have to change planes in Chicago.

to give or get an equivalent amount of money in lower denominations in exchange for: to change a five-dollar bill.

to give or get foreign money in exchange for: to change dollars into euros.

to remove and replace the covering or coverings of: to change a bed.

to remove a dirty diaper from (a baby) and replace it with a clean one: new parents, learning to change a baby.

verb (used without object), changed, chang·ing.

to become different: Overnight the nation’s mood changed.

to become altered or modified: Colors change if they are exposed to the sun.

to become transformed or converted (usually followed by into): The toad changed back into a prince.

to pass gradually into (usually followed by to or into): Summer changed to autumn.

to switch or to make an exchange: If you want to sit next to the window, I’ll change with you.

to transfer between trains or other conveyances: We can take the local and change to an express at the next stop.

to remove one’s clothes and put on different clothes: She changed into jeans.

(of the moon) to pass from one phase to another.

(of the voice) to become deeper in tone; come to have a lower register: The boy’s voice began to change when he was thirteen.

noun

the act or fact of changing; fact of being changed: They are pleased by the change in their son’s behavior.

a transformation or modification; alteration: They noticed the change in his facial expression.

a variation or deviation: a change in the daily routine.

the substitution of one thing for another: We finally made the change to an oil-burning furnace.

variety or novelty: Let’s try a new restaurant for a change.

the passing from one place, state, form, or phase to another: a change of seasons;social change.

Jazz. harmonic progression from one tonality to another; modulation.

the supplanting of one thing by another: We need a total change of leadership.

anything that is or may be substituted for another.

a fresh set of clothing.

money given in exchange for an equivalent of higher denomination.

a balance of money that is returned when the sum tendered in payment is larger than the sum due.

coins of low denomination.

any of the various sequences in which a peal of bells may be rung.

Obsolete. changefulness; caprice.

Verb Phrases

change off,

  1. to take turns with another, as at doing a task.
  2. to alternate between two tasks or between a task and a rest break.

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Idioms about change

    change front, Military. to shift a military force in another direction.

    change one’s mind, to change one’s opinions or intentions.

    ring the changes,

    1. to perform all permutations possible in ringing a set of tuned bells, as in a bell tower of a church.
    2. to vary the manner of performing an action or of discussing a subject; repeat with variations.

Origin of change

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English verb cha(u)ngen, from Anglo-French, Old French changer, from Late Latin cambiāre, Latin cambīre “to exchange, barter”; Middle English noun cha(u)nge, from Anglo-French, Old French, noun derivative of the verb; of Celtic origin

historical usage of change

The English noun and verb change are both recorded at just about the same time (between 1200 and 1225), but the meanings of the noun follow those of the verb. The Middle English verb change, chaungen, chaungie, changen, chaingen (and other spelling variants) “to be altered, alter (a purpose, attitude, or opinion), transform or be transformed; substitute, exchange” come from Anglo-French chaunger, changir and Old French changier, with the same meanings. The French verb comes from Latin cambiāre “to exchange,” from earlier cambīre “to exchange, barter,” both of Celtic (Gaulish) origin.
The French development from cambiāre to changier is regular; other Romance languages have developed in differing ways: Spanish and Portuguese cambiar keep cambiāre more or less intact; Catalan has canviar; Sardinian has cambiare; Old Provençal has both cambiar and camjar; Old Italian (late 12th century) has cambiare, but modern Italian only cangiare.
The Middle English verb was used to refer to the exchange of money, coins, or currency, but the corresponding noun meanings did not appear until the mid-16th century; the specific usage “the balance of money returned to a buyer” is first recorded in 1665.

OTHER WORDS FROM change

chang·ed·ness [cheyn-jid-nis, cheynjd-], /ˈtʃeɪn dʒɪd nɪs, ˈtʃeɪndʒd-/, nounun·changed, adjectiveun·chang·ing, adjectiveun·chang·ing·ly, adverb

un·chang·ing·ness, noun

Words nearby change

Changan, Changchiakow, Changchow, Changchun, Changde, change, changeable, change down, changeful, change hands, change horses in midstream, don’t

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WHEN TO USE

What is another way to say change?

To change something is to make its form, nature, or content different from what it is currently or from what it would be if left alone. How is change different from alter? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Words related to change

adjustment, advance, development, difference, diversity, innovation, modification, reversal, revision, revolution, shift, switch, transformation, transition, variation, turnaround, adjust, alter, diminish, evolve

How to use change in a sentence

  • One agency executive said that it would be surprising if advertisers return en masse in early August without commitments to address advertisers’ desired changes.

  • The government had estimated that the rule changes would cause about 70,000 women, and at most 126,000 women, to lose contraception coverage in one year.

  • His team’s mandate is to back companies tied to major long-term shifts in areas like climate change and health care.

  • The picture and the pace at which it was changing were dizzying.

  • The focus was on low-cost ergonomic changes that reduced physical stress.

  • Term limits could be a prescription to speed change along.

  • And as he adjusted to this change in circumstances, he screamed at himself a second time: Wait!

  • When we meet them, their lives are unfulfilled, and at no point are we convinced their condition will change.

  • If we want that to change, then all of us have to encourage our legislators to make funding community policing a priority.

  • Whatever happened overtook them both within a minute or so of that altitude change request, and they were never heard from again.

  • In treble, second and fourth, the first change is a dodge behind; and the second time the treble leads, there’s a double Bob.

  • The Seven-score and four on the six middle Bells, the treble leading, and the tenor lying behind every change, makes good Musick.

  • Never was a change more remarkable than that which had come upon Mrs. Collingwood.

  • When the whole hunt is hunting up, each single change is made between the whole hunt, and the next bell above it.

  • Almost, he saw her visibly change—here in the twilight of the little Luxor garden by his side.

British Dictionary definitions for change


verb

to make or become different; alter

(tr) to replace with or exchange for anotherto change one’s name

(sometimes foll by to or into) to transform or convert or be transformed or converted

to give and receive (something) in return; interchangeto change places with someone

(tr) to give or receive (money) in exchange for the equivalent sum in a smaller denomination or different currency

(tr) to remove or replace the coverings ofto change a baby

(when intr, may be foll by into or out of) to put on other clothes

(intr) (of the moon) to pass from one phase to the following one

to operate (the gear lever of a motor vehicle) in order to alter the gear ratioto change gear

to alight from (one bus, train, etc) and board another

change face to rotate the telescope of a surveying instrument through 180° horizontally and vertically, taking a second sighting of the same object in order to reduce error

change feet informal to put on different shoes, boots, etc

change front

  1. military to redeploy (a force in the field) so that its main weight of weapons points in another direction
  2. to alter one’s attitude, opinion, etc

change hands to pass from one owner to another

change one’s mind to alter one’s decision or opinion

change one’s tune to alter one’s attitude or tone of speech

noun

the act or fact of changing or being changed

a variation, deviation, or modification

the substitution of one thing for another; exchange

anything that is or may be substituted for something else

variety or novelty (esp in the phrase for a change)I want to go to France for a change

a different or fresh set, esp of clothes

money given or received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or in a different currency

the balance of money given or received when the amount tendered is larger than the amount due

coins of a small denomination regarded collectively

(often capital) archaic a place where merchants meet to transact business; an exchange

the act of passing from one state or phase to another

the transition from one phase of the moon to the next

the order in which a peal of bells may be rung

slang desirable or useful information

obsolete fickleness or caprice

change of heart a profound change of outlook, opinion, etc

get no change out of someone slang not to be successful in attempts to exploit or extract information from someone

ring the changes to vary the manner or performance of an action that is often repeated

Derived forms of change

changeless, adjectivechangelessly, adverbchangelessness, nounchanger, noun

Word Origin for change

C13: from Old French changier, from Latin cambīre to exchange, barter

Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with change


In addition to the idioms beginning with change

  • change hands
  • change horses in midstream, don’t
  • change off
  • change of heart
  • change of life
  • change of pace
  • change one’s mind
  • change one’s stripes
  • change one’s tune
  • change the subject

also see:

  • for a change
  • leopard cannot change its spots
  • piece of change
  • ring the changes

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Princeton’s WordNetRate this definition:3.5 / 11 votes

  1. change, alteration, modificationnoun

    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»

  2. changenoun

    a relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event

    «he attributed the change to their marriage»

  3. changenoun

    the action of changing something

    «the change of government had no impact on the economy»; «his change on abortion cost him the election»

  4. changenoun

    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. changenoun

    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. changenoun

    a thing that is different

    «he inspected several changes before selecting one»

  7. changenoun

    a different or fresh set of clothes

    «she brought a change in her overnight bag»

  8. changenoun

    coins of small denomination regarded collectively

    «he had a pocketful of change»

  9. changenoun

    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. variety, changeverb

    a difference that is usually pleasant

    «he goes to France for variety»; «it is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic»

  11. change, alter, modifyverb

    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»

  12. changeverb

    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»

  13. change, alter, varyverb

    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»

  14. switch, shift, changeverb

    lay aside, abandon, or leave for another

    «switch to a different brand of beer»; «She switched psychiatrists»; «The car changed lanes»

  15. changeverb

    change clothes; put on different clothes

    «Change before you go to the opera»

  16. change, exchange, commute, convertverb

    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»

  17. exchange, change, interchangeverb

    give to, and receive from, one another

    «Would you change places with me?»; «We have been exchanging letters for a year»

  18. transfer, changeverb

    change from one vehicle or transportation line to another

    «She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast»

  19. deepen, changeverb

    become deeper in tone

    «His voice began to change when he was 12 years old»; «Her voice deepened when she whispered the password»

  20. changeverb

    remove or replace the coverings of

    «Father had to learn how to change the baby»; «After each guest we changed the bed linens»

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. changenoun

    the process of becoming different.

    The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.

  2. changenoun

    a replacement, e.g. a change of clothes

  3. changenoun

    money given back when a customer hands over more than the exact price of an item.

    A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a u00A39 item receives one pound in change.

  4. changenoun

    a transfer between vehicles

    The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham

  5. changenoun

    a change-up pitch

  6. changeverb

    To become something different.

  7. changeverb

    To make something into something different.

  8. changeverb

    To replace.

  9. changeverb

    To replace one’s clothing.

  10. changeverb

    To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)

  11. changeverb

    To exchange.

  12. Etymology: Via, from changier, compare French changer, from cambio, of origin, from kamb-, from (s)ḱamb-. Cognate with Italian cambiare, Portuguese cambiar, Romanian schimb, Spanish cambiar. Used in English since the 13th Century.

Samuel Johnson’s DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. Changenoun

    Etymology: from the verb.

    1. An alteration of the state of any thing.

    Since I saw you last,
    There is a change upon you.
    William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra.

    2. A succession of one thing in the place of another.

    O wond’rous changes of a fatal scene,
    Still varying to the last!
    Dryden.

    Nothing can cure this part of ill breeding, but change and variety of company, and that of persons above us.
    John Locke.

    Empires by various turns shall rise and set;
    While thy abandon’d tribes shall only know
    A diff’rent master, and a change of time.
    Matthew Prior.

    Hear how Timotheus’ various lays surprize,
    And bid alternate passions fall and rise!
    While, at each change, the son of Libyan Jove
    Now burns with glory, and then melts with love.
    Alexander Pope.

    3. The time of the moon in which it begins a new monthly revolution.

    Take seeds or roots, and set some of them immediately after the change, and others of the same kind immediately after the full.
    Francis Bacon, Nat. History, №. 893.

    4. Novelty.

    The hearts
    Of all his people shall revolt from him,
    And kiss the lips of unacquainted change.
    William Shakespeare, K. John.

    Our fathers did, for change, to France repair,
    And they, for change, will try our English air.
    John Dryden, Spanish Friar, Prologue.

    5. In ringing; an alteration of the order in which a set of bells is sounded.

    Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing, and five bells one hundred and twenty.
    William Holder, Elements of Speech.

    Easy it may be to contrive new postures, and ring other changes upon the same bells.
    John Norris.

    6. That which makes a variety; that which may be used for another of the same kind.

    I will now put forth a riddle unto you; if you can find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets, and thirty change of garments.
    Judges, xiv. 12.

    7. Small money, which may be given for larger pieces.

    Wood buys up our old halfpence, and from thence the present want of change arises; but supposing not one farthing of change in the nation, five and twenty thousand pounds would be sufficient.
    Jonathan Swift.

  2. To CHANGEverb

    Etymology: changer, Fr. cambio, Lat.

    1. To put one thing in the place of another.

    He that cannot look into his own estate, had need choose well whom he employeth, and change them often; for new are more timorous, and less subtile.
    Francis Bacon, Essays.

    2. To resign any thing for the sake of another, with for before the thing taken or received.

    Persons grown up in the belief of any religion, cannot change that for another, without applying their understanding duly to consider and compare both.
    South.

    The French and we still change; but here’s the curse,
    They change for better, and we change for worse.
    John Dryden, Spanish Friar, Prologue.

    3. To discount a larger piece of money into several smaller.

    A shopkeeper might be able to change a guinea, or a moidore, when a customer comes for a crown’s worth of goods.
    Jonathan Swift, Intelligencer, №. 19.

    4. To give and take reciprocally, with the particle with before the person to whom we give, and from whom we take.

    To secure thy content, look upon those thousands, with whom thou wouldst not, for any interest, change thy fortune and condition.
    Jeremy Taylor, Rule of Living Holy.

    5. To alter.

    Thou shalt not see me blush,
    Nor change my countenance for this arrest;
    A heart unspotted is not easily daunted.
    William Shakespeare, Henry VI.

    Whatsoever is brought upon thee, take chearfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate.
    Ecclus, ii. 4.

    For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of harmony, like as in a psaltery notes change the name of the tune, and yet are always sounds.
    Wisdom, xix. 18.

    6. To mend the disposition or mind.

    I would she were in heaven, so she could
    Intreat some pow’r to change this currish Jew.
    William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice.

    7. To change a horse, or to change hand,is to turn or bear the horse’s head from one hand to the other, from the left to the right, or from the right to the left. Farrier’s Dict.

  3. To Changeverb

    1. To undergo change; to suffer alteration; as, his fortune may soon change, though he is now so secure.

    One Julia, that his changing thought forgot,
    Would better fit his chamber.
    William Shakespeare, Two Gent. of Verona.

    2. To change, as the moon; to begin a new monthly revolution.

    I am weary of this moon; would he would change.
    William Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:4.0 / 1 vote

  1. Changeverb

    to alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance

  2. Changeverb

    to alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one’s occupation; to change one’s intention

  3. Changeverb

    to give and take reciprocally; to exchange; — followed by with; as, to change place, or hats, or money, with another

  4. Changeverb

    specifically: To give, or receive, smaller denominations of money (technically called change) for; as, to change a gold coin or a bank bill

  5. Changeverb

    to be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better

  6. Changeverb

    to pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night

  7. Changeverb

    any variation or alteration; a passing from one state or form to another; as, a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles

  8. Changeverb

    a succesion or substitution of one thing in the place of another; a difference; novelty; variety; as, a change of seasons

  9. Changeverb

    a passing from one phase to another; as, a change of the moon

  10. Changeverb

    alteration in the order of a series; permutation

  11. Changeverb

    that which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another

  12. Changeverb

    small money; the money by means of which the larger coins and bank bills are made available in small dealings; hence, the balance returned when payment is tendered by a coin or note exceeding the sum due

  13. Changeverb

    a place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions

  14. Changeverb

    a public house; an alehouse

  15. Changeverb

    any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. Change

    chānj, v.t. to alter or make different: to put or give for another: to make to pass from one state to another: to exchange.—v.i. to suffer change: to change one’s clothes.—n. the act of changing: alteration or variation of any kind: (Shak.) exchange: (Shak.) fickleness: a shift: variety: small coin: also used as a short term for the Exchange.—ns. Changeabil′ity, Change′ableness, fickleness: power of being changed.—adj. Change′able, subject or prone to change: fickle: inconstant.—adv. Change′ably.—adj. Change′ful, full of change: changeable.—adv. Change′fully.—ns. Change′fulness; Change′-house (Scot.), a small inn or alehouse.—adj. Change′less, without change: constant.—ns. Change′ling, a child taken or left by the fairies in place of another—usually an under-sized, crabbed child: one apt to change; Chang′er, one who changes the form of anything: one employed in changing or discounting money; Chang′ing-piece (Shak.), a fickle person.—Change colour, to blush or turn pale; Change one’s mind, to form a different opinion; Change one’s self, to change one’s clothes; Change one’s tune, to change from joy to sorrow: to change one’s manner of speaking.—Put the change on, to delude, trick.—Ring the changes, to go through the various changes in ringing a peal of bells: to go over in every possible order: to pass counterfeit money: to bemuddle a shopman into giving too much change. [Fr. changer—Late L. cambiāre—L. cambīre, to barter.]

Dictionary of Nautical TermsRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. change

    In warrantry, is the voluntary substitution of a different
    voyage for a merchant ship than the one originally specified or agreed
    upon, an act which discharges the insurers. (See DEVIATION.)

Editors ContributionRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. change

    To cause or choose to think, act, behave or create in a new way, manner or with new understanding.

    The change in our behaviour is amazing for us all to see as we are so loving, kind and grateful for each other.

    Submitted by MaryC on July 10, 2020  


  2. change

    To cause or choose to think, act, behave or create in an accurate, specific, easy and simple order or way.

    The change came via the collective desire to ensure that we all know we are intelligent people who use contraception and are accountable for our actions and behave responsibly.

    Submitted by MaryC on January 19, 2020  


  3. change

    To communicate a feeling, thought or perception following receiving a form of communication, enlightenment, inspiration, knowing, learning or understanding of the root cause of a behavior, expression or spoken word and how it is intended and perceived in the specific moment so all effected achieve peace knowing it serves a purpose for all involved

    As a collective humanity we change naturally when we choose it so we can express ourselves, learn and move on and evolve as a united humanity knowing every moment on this planet serves its purpose for all involved and our evolution as individuals and a collective.

    Submitted by MaryC on December 7, 2015  

Surnames Frequency by Census RecordsRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. CHANGE

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Change is ranked #138304 in terms of the most common surnames in America.

    The Change surname appeared 121 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 would have the surname Change.

    47.1% or 57 total occurrences were Black.
    23.1% or 28 total occurrences were White.
    17.3% or 21 total occurrences were Asian.
    6.6% or 8 total occurrences were of Hispanic origin.

Matched Categories

    • Action
    • Cash
    • Change
    • Clothing
    • Coin
    • Consequence
    • Dress
    • Happening
    • Move
    • Relation
    • Replace
    • Thing
    • Transfer

British National Corpus

  1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word ‘change’ in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #450

  2. Written Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word ‘change’ in Written Corpus Frequency: #541

  3. Nouns Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word ‘change’ in Nouns Frequency: #48

  4. Verbs Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word ‘change’ in Verbs Frequency: #81

How to pronounce change?

How to say change in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of change in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of change in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of change in a Sentence

  1. Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas:

    The only explanation is that I told the president he is not allowed to change the constitution, he is trying to control us, to neutralize us.

  2. Carl Jung:

    We cannot change anything unless we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.

  3. Virgil:

    Thus all things are doomed to change for the worse and retrograde.

  4. Brendon Weaver:

    We want to stay involved at the level of the product going into people’s hands, we won’t add employees until we find the perfect fit and absolutely have to. At a big company, you have to have a thousand meetings to make a tiny change. Here, we can make a decision in half an hour and make it happen.

  5. Orrin Hatch:

    Frankly, we didn’t treat their candidates for these positions, the way they are treating ours, i would like to see us hopefully break through and change that.

Popularity rank by frequency of use


Translations for change

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

  • تغيير, فكة, تبديل, يتغير, تغير, غير, يغيرArabic
  • үҙгәрешBashkir
  • змяня́ць, змяня́цца, замяні́ць, змяні́цца, пераапрана́цца, пераапрану́цца, змяні́ць, пераса́джвацца, заме́ньваць, перасадзі́ццаBelarusian
  • промя́на, измене́ние, ресто, смя́на, замя́на, изменям, променям, сменям, заменям, променям сеBulgarian
  • পরিবর্তনBengali
  • cheñch, kemm moneiz, eskemmBreton
  • canvi, modificar, canviarCatalan, Valencian
  • náhrada, záměna, drobné, změna, vyměnit, převléknout, měnit, změnit, proměnitCzech
  • newid, amnewidWelsh
  • udskiftning, skift, forandring, småpenge, ombytning, vekselpenge, ændring, omklædning, ændre, forandre, ombytte, skifte, udskifteDanish
  • Rückgeld, Änderung, Veränderung, Wechselgeld, Wandel, wandeln, ändern, verwandeln, verändern, wechseln, umkleiden, auswechseln, umsteigen, umziehenGerman
  • ψιλά, αλλαγή, ρέστα, αλλάζω, μετεπιβιβάζομαι, μεταβάλλω, αντικαθιστώ, μεταμορφώνομαιGreek
  • ŝanĝmono, ŝanĝo, ŝanĝiĝi, ŝanĝiEsperanto
  • vuelto, mutación, cambio, menudo, feria, evolución, suelto, vueltas, chatarra, morralla, devueltas, sencillo, vuelta, calderilla, modificación, mudar, cambiarse, demudar, recambiar, modificar, cambiar, reemplazarSpanish
  • truke, kanbio, aldaketa, aldatu, trukatuBasque
  • تغییرPersian
  • muutos, vaihtoraha, muuttaa, vaihtaa, muuttuaFinnish
  • changement, monnaie, modification, mutation, évolution, changer, muter, transformer, remplacer, se transformerFrench
  • feroarjeWestern Frisian
  • caochladh, atharrachadh, iomlaid, mùthadh, mùth, atharraichScottish Gaelic
  • cambio, troco, volta, cambiarGalician
  • પરિવર્તન, ફેરફારGujarati
  • השתנות, עודף, החלפה, שינוי, החליף, השתנה, שינהHebrew
  • बदलना, बदलाव, परिवर्तन, छुट्टाHindi
  • chanjeHaitian Creole
  • változás, megváltozás, csere, visszajáró, átszáll, kicserél, megváltozik, vált, változtat, megváltoztat, cserél, változikHungarian
  • մանր, փոխվելArmenian
  • cambiamento, cambiarInterlingua
  • ubah, ganti, tukarIndonesian
  • chanjo, kambio, monetoIdo
  • breytastIcelandic
  • cambio, cambiamento, modifica, resto, cambiare, sostituire, rimpiazzareItalian
  • お釣り, つり銭, 小銭, 変化, 変更, 替える, 換える, 変わる, 変える, 代える, 乗り換えるJapanese
  • ცვლა, ხურდა, გარდაქმნაGeorgian
  • ការផ្លាស់ប្តូរ, ផ្លាស់, ផ្លាស់ប្ដូរKhmer
  • ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆಮಾಡುKannada
  • 변화, 잔돈, 變化, 거스름돈, 갈아타다, 변화하다, 변하다, 갈아입다, 바뀌다, 바꾸다Korean
  • گۆڕانKurdish
  • permutatio, cambiatio, mutatio, cambiare, permuto, muto, commuto, cambireLatin
  • ÄnnerungLuxembourgish, Letzeburgesch
  • verangeringLimburgish, Limburgan, Limburger
  • permaina, grąža, smulkūs pinigai, pasikeitimas, pokytis, pakeitimas, keistis, pakeisti, persirengti, mainytis, keistiLithuanian
  • izmaiņa, sīknauda, pārmaiņa, nomainīt, aizstāt, pārģērbties, mainīties, mainītLatvian
  • tīni, rerekētanga, whakarerekēMāori
  • ку́сур, си́тно, за́мена, се изме́нува, заменува, се ме́нуваMacedonian
  • മാറ്റം, ചില്ലറMalayalam
  • बदल, बदलनेMarathi
  • tukarMalay
  • endring, veksel, endre, skifte, gjøre om, bytte, erstatte, bytte utNorwegian
  • wisselgeld, andere kleren, aanpassing, verandering, veranderen, overstappen, aanpassen, verwisselen, zich omkleden, vervangen, zich aanpassenDutch
  • veksel, endring, skifte, endre, gjere om, gjøre om, erstatteNorwegian Nynorsk
  • cambiament, cambiarOccitan
  • drobne, zmiana, reszta, zmienić, przebrać się, przebierać się, zmieniać, zamieniać, zmieniać się, zamienić, zmienić się, przesiąść się, przesiadać sięPolish
  • اوړېدل, بدلول, بدلېدل, اړولPashto, Pushto
  • trocado, troco, troca, mudança, modificação, mudar, trocar, baldear, trocar-se, alterarPortuguese
  • schimb, schimb (de bani), schimbare, modificare, înlocui, schimba, transforma, modificaRomanian
  • ме́лочь, заме́на, измене́ние, переме́на, сда́ча, переса́дка, изменя́ться, измени́ть, меня́ться, меня́ть, переоде́ться, переса́живаться, заменя́ть, пересе́сть, измени́ться, замени́ть, изменя́ть, переодева́тьсяRussian
  • sića, promena, промена, promjena, zamena, замена, измјена, sitnina, kusur, промјена, sitniš, izmena, измена, izmjenaSerbo-Croatian
  • zamenjava, sprememba, drobiž, spremeniti, zamenjatiSlovene
  • ndryshimAlbanian
  • växelpengar, ombyte, förändring, växel, byta, ändra, byta om, förändraSwedish
  • mabaliko, mabadiliko, badilishaSwahili
  • மாற்றம்Tamil
  • చిల్లర, మార్పు, మారు, మార్చుTelugu
  • тағйирTajik
  • เงินทอน, แปลง, เปลี่ยนThai
  • sukli, pagbabago, palit, kapalit, barya, ibago, bago, ipalit, palitanTagalog
  • değişmek, bozuk, para üstü, değiştirmekTurkish
  • пересі́сти, пересіда́ти, змі́нюватися, зміни́тисяUkrainian
  • thay, thay đổi, đổiVietnamese
  • votükamVolapük
  • candjmintWalloon
  • 变化Chinese

Get even more translations for change »

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Citation

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Are we missing a good definition for change? Don’t keep it to yourself…

I am writing an essay and I am writing a sentence which has to do with the ever changing world of computers with constant innovation.

This is what I have currently written «is insufficient to cope with the ever evolving world of the computing «

I need a better word for this

  • word-request

asked Feb 16, 2017 at 9:11

Shivam Patel's user avatar

Shivam PatelShivam Patel

211 gold badge1 silver badge2 bronze badges

5

  • What do you mean by «better» — that is, what in particular is wrong with what you wrote, in your opinion? What criteria should a substitute satisfy?

    Feb 16, 2017 at 9:20

  • @NathanTuggy The word evolving meant gradual and slow change which i thought didnt fit for a description of the IT industry i decided to use the word advancing instead of evolving which i feel is a better fit

    Feb 16, 2017 at 9:51

  • I think ever evolving is a good choice of word esp. if you want to imply improvement. Other words can be dynamic or ever changing.

    Feb 16, 2017 at 9:58

  • What is wrong with rapidly changing?

    Feb 16, 2017 at 11:15

  • Just my opinion, but I think evolving is a better word than dynamic here…

    Feb 16, 2017 at 11:37

It is inevitable that words change their meanings over time but it is still interesting to know the English words the meanings of which became very different from what they mean originally.

You might be surprised to know that the words you’ll find here are mostly words that you use regularly. It is a regular occurrence and the change of meaning could be narrowed or broadened. An example of this is the word ”hound.” Previously, a canine is traditionally called hound, while dog is used to indicate a canine that is fierce and big. The term ”dog” became the common term, which is broadening its meaning. The meaning of ”hound” became narrow as it now only refers to hunting dogs. Dogs of smaller breeds, especially, including Chihuahuas and toy dogs should never be called hounds.

Some of the narrowing and broadening of the meaning of words happened randomly. The question whether someone drinks refers to imbibing alcoholic drinks rather than all liquids. Previously, enjoying music means enjoying classical music, nothing else. When you say you enjoy reading today, it more or less means that the person is reading fiction instead of books on various subjects including history, science, nature and the like.

Intuitive and transformative shift

The changing of the meaning of words follows a mild transformative and intuitive direction. In the old days ”meat” referred to all items related to food, which is why ”candy” is called sweetmeat. Now meat solely pertain to flesh, which, while narrowed stayed within the sphere of food.

Some of the shift was lateral. Bird for example used to refer to a baby animal before it became the overall term for flying animals, which used to be called ”fugol.” The latter narrowed and changed to ”fowl” and now refers to birds raised in farms such as hens, geese, ducks and turkeys.

Distant shifts

The meanings of many English words today are very far from the original because of implications.

Audition

One of them is the word ”audition” that seems to have the root word that refers to ”audio.” Today, when you hear the term, what easily comes to mind is a person trying out for a film or play.

However, when ”audition” first came to be used, the word was used by doctors to mean that a patient’s hearing would be better once the ears are cleared of whatever is blocking the sound.

In 19th century England, the term for tryouts became ”hearings” because at that time trying out for plays means listening to a person reciting something, which writers turned into something fancier by using the word ”audition.”

The word stuck and used primarily to mean trying out for a performance while hearing became the term that refers to sound perception.

Commodity

Commodity now refers to staple products the quantity of which remains constant regardless of producers. The term is commonly used when referring to futures contracts that ensure uniformity in price even when the market fluctuates.

When the word was first used, it referred to comfort, for example, in accommodation, meaning indulging in personal comforts, such as enjoying the pleasure of staying in bed or spreading your body on a cozy sofa.

The current meaning is very distant for the original intent – from feeling comfortable to being products in the futures market, which is about financial contracts.

Fine

The word ”fine” came from the French word, ”fin” or end. Today, it has evolved to mean something that is ”the best,” ”the ultimate” or ”the top of the line.” Thus, initially fine, means either something of high quality or the end. The high quality meaning is what made it into the English language, which became associated with something delicate. It implies top quality as the item was produced with high precision.

However, there are other used for the word fine. When someone is asked how they are doing, the standard reply is he/she is fine. In this context, the word fine implies that the person is not hurt, is feeling great or in good health. The meaning extends to other things, such as the payment for a minor violation.

When you watch a French film, you are still likely see the word ”fin” at the end before the credits. But outside France, fine means something else.

Minority

The original meaning of the word ”minority” was a ”small portion” of something, which means that it was a technical term. However, today the word is generally used as a demographic term. When you say minority, the implication is that you refer to people of color. In the minds of many Americans, minority refers to Latino and Black people. So even if the Whites were outnumbered by Latinos or Blacks, they would never be referred to as minority because they do not have dark complexions.

Merry

Merry is a word the original meaning of which is very different from how it is used today. In the past, ”merry” meant ”short.” It is because something short or brief is pleasant. Now merry means joy, gaiety, full of merriment, fun, lively and so on. The English language already had a word ”short” in the early days, however, it meant ”sliced off.”

Merry had a long past as well. It started from the steppes in Ukraine where most of the languages in Europe originated. Merry came from the word ”mregh” that became ”brakhion” in Greece. It was a term used for the upper arm, as physically, the lower arm is longer than the upper arm. Brakhion entered the Latin language as ‘brakh” but ended as a pastry term, as in brachitella or bread that resembles folded arms. Old German adopted the term as brezitella that morphed into brezel in Middle High German, which is now known as pretzel.

In the French language, brach referred to shoulder straps that extended to mean the chemise worn by children. Brach evolved into brassiere which was shortened to ”bra.”

In a sense, pretzel and bra are the same as merry, although the evolution that happened gradually means that it would be impossible today to use the three words in a sentence that would make sense.

Awful and awesome

Both words came from ”awe,” which is an Old English word that originally meant dread, terror or fear. When used to refer to God, it meant respectful or reverential fear. Awesome and awful used to be synonyms, but in the 19th century however, awful became a term that is synonymous to the emotion’s negative aspect thus it usually refers to something very bad or something frightful. Awesome on the other hand became the term used to mean mind-boggling, stunning or marvelous, which were cited initially in a 1980 publication called Official Preppy Handbook.

old dictionary with page open, showing side tabs

Old dictionary with page open, showing side tabs

Opposite meaning

The meaning of words will continue to change as long as there are speakers of the language. Some of the meanings shift to become the opposite of the original while some become complimentary or otherwise.

Nice

From the Anglo-Norman language to classical Latin to English, the word ”nice” used to refer to someone ”ignorant” from the Latin word ”nescius.” Starting from the 1300s up to the 1600s the meaning was the same – ignorant, foolish or silly. But during the same period, nice took on different meanings, from being dissolute, wanton, cowardly, effeminate, lazy, intricate, sluggish, refined to elegant.

In the 16th century the meanings changed to sharp, attentive, meticulous. When the 18th century arrived, the meanings lost much of its prestige; it gained the meaning we use today, such as pleasant or agreeable.

Dinner

Dinner started from the French word ”disner” that originated from the Latin term, ”disjejunare” or breaking the fast. Thus it originally referred to the first meal you have for the day. Through the evolution of the word, it was used to refer to the day’s main meal, which is still used in some circles. For the fashionable and professional classes today, as mentioned in the Oxford English Dictionary, dinner now refers to the largest meal taken in the evening. The last meal served during the day is called supper, which is seldom used today. The current meaning is a light meal in the early evening if you had dinner in the middle of the day. You could also have supper before you go to bed.

Naughty

Naughty people in the 1300s were those who had naught or nothing. It meant they were either needy or poor. A millennium later, the meaning shifted to someone morally wicked or bad or someone who was worth nothing. So the meaning changed from having nothing to someone sexually provocative, promiscuous or licentious. But in the late 17th century other meanings were added to naughty. These are gentler terms, often used to refer to children who display misbehavior, disobedience or mischievousness.

Several more English words have changed meanings. Silly for example used to mean blessed or worthy before the meanings became vulnerable or weak. Today, it is mainly used to refer to someone foolish. Some are more difficult to comprehend, such as clue coming from the word ”clew” meaning a ball of yarn to being important pieces of evidence. Fathom used to mean, ”to encircle with your arm” whereas today it means understanding something after spending time to think about it.

It does not matter if the meanings of many English words continue to change. The human translators of Day Translations, Inc. will always use the most applicable words to accurately translate your documents. They are all native speakers and located around the world to serve your translation requirements quickly and efficiently. We serve clients 24/7, 365 days a year. So contact us for translation services anytime by calling us at 1-800-969-6853 or sending us an email at Contact us.

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Semantics refers to the study of meaning. There are two types of semantics: logical and lexical. Logical semantics is the study of reference (the symbolic relationship between language and real-world objects) and implication (the relationship between two sentences). Lexical semantics is the analysis of word meaning.

What is semantic change?

The term semantic change refers to how the meaning of words changes over time. We will cover five types of semantic change: narrowing, broadening, amelioration, pejoration, and semantic reclamation.

Let’s learn about the causes of semantic change, the different types of semantic change, and look at some examples.

The term ‘semantic shift’ can also be used to refer to the changing meanings of words.

The nature of semantic change

It is important to remember that the nature of semantic change is a gradual process. The meaning of a word doesn’t just change in an instant, it can take many years.

Semantic change often occurs as societal values change. This means that different social or ethnic groups may experience semantic change differently for different words.

Causes of semantic change

There are two different causes of semantic change. These are extralinguistic causes (not involving language) and linguistic causes (involving language).

Extralinguistic causes

Extralinguistic causes in semantic change are mainly to do with the social or historical causes of semantic change. If we break the term ‘extralinguistic’ down we can see that it refers to factors that are ‘extra’ so exist outside the language itself. Linguist Andreas Blank breaks down this factor into three main subcategories.

1. Psychological factors

Psychological factors are factors that affect how people view a word and its meaning. If a word’s original meaning is unclear, it is given new meaning. The meaning of a word may also become taboo or is used as a euphemism, eg. the term ‘pass away’ can be used to describe someone dying.

2. Sociocultural factors

This is perhaps the most common factor for extralinguistic causes of semantic change. Changes in the social, economical or political status of a country can have a significant impact on semantics. An example of this is how the meaning of words changed following the Industrial Revolution e.g. the meaning of the word ‘engine’ changed from describing general devices used in war to describing a specific mechanical device. This means that the word went the semantic change (more specifically narrowing).

3. Cultural/encyclopaedic factors

These factors refer to the cultural reasons why a word’s meaning may change. This can be because of cultural changes that lead to a change in how the word is categorised (causing a semantic change). For example, the word ‘cool’ was originally used in the context of jazz music but as the popularity of jazz increased, the word became associated with anything trendy.

Extralinguistic causes
The fuzziness of a meaning
Cultural importance changes
Word becomes taboo
Change in a word’s popularity
Communicative changes
Changes in worldview

Linguistic causes

Linguistic causes of semantic change are factors that occur within the system of the language spoken. Natural language changes tend to take longer than extralinguistic causes. We see this throughout history, for example, Old English took centuries to develop into Middle English.

Linguistic factors can include:

Metonymy

Metonymy occurs when the name of an object is substituted for an attribute or adjective. For example, sometimes when discussing horse racing, the tracks are referred to as ‘turf’.

Metaphors

Metaphors may also affect what certain words are associated with. The meaning words may be extended to show a connection between two similar things.

Ellipsis

This occurs when two words are consistently used together in a sentence until they acquire the same meaning. For example, the verb ‘to starve’ originally meant ‘to die’; however, it was frequently used in sentences about hunger. This led to the word’s meaning to die of hunger.

There are factors within these causes that will also impact semantic changes. Have a look at the table below to see some examples of extralinguistic and linguistic causes of semantic change.

Linguistic causes
Metonymy / metaphor
Ellipses
Changes in the referents (what is being referred to)
Excessive length
Wordplay and puns
Disguising language / misnomers (i.e. an inaccurate name)

Different types of semantic change

There are five major types of semantic change. These changes occur for either extralinguistic or linguistic reasons. The five major kinds of semantic change are: narrowing, broadening, amelioration, pejoration, and semantic reclamation.

Below, we will discuss the characteristics of these, and look at examples of each type of semantic change.

Narrowing

Semantic narrowing is the process by which a word’s meaning becomes less generalised (in other words more specific) over time. This means that the new meaning derives directly from the original meaning. Typically this process is caused by linguistic factors, such as ellipses, and can take many years to occur. Narrowing can also be referred to as semantic specialisation or semantic restriction.

Let’s look at two examples of semantic narrowing:

Hound

The word ‘hound’, traditionally was used to refer to any type of dog. However, over the centuries the meaning narrowed until it was only used when discussing dogs used when hunting (such as beagles and bloodhounds).

Semantic Change hounds StudySmarterFig. 1 — An example of semantic narrowing is ‘hound.’

Meat

Similarly, ‘meat’, has also undergone semantic narrowing over the years. The word originally just meant ‘food’. This meaning grew more specific until the word ‘meat’ was only used when relating to one type of food (animal flesh).

Broadening

Broadening is the process in which the meaning of a word becomes more generalised over time. In order words, the word can be used in more contexts than it could originally. This is sometimes referred to as semantic generalisation.

Semantic broadening is the antonym of semantic narrowing, as the process that takes place is the opposite. However, like semantic narrowing, this process often occurs over the course of many years. Broadening can be caused by both extralinguistic and linguistic causes, such as a change in worldview, or linguistic analogy.

Below are two examples of semantic broadening:

Business

The word, ‘business’ originally was only used to refer to being busy. However, over the years, the meaning of this word broadened to refer to any type of work or job.

Cool

The term, ‘cool’, was popular within the language of jazz musicians, as it referred to a specific style of music (‘cool jazz’)! Over time, as jazz music grew in popularity, the word started to be used in other contexts.

Semantic Change man playing jazz StudySmarterFig. 2 — An example of semantic broadening is ‘Jazz.’

Amelioration

Amelioration is a term that refers to when a word acquires a more positive meaning over time. It may also be referred to as semantic amelioration or semantic elevation. Typically this process occurs due to different extralinguistic reasons, such as cultural and worldview changes occurring.

The word ‘nice’ is possibly the most well-known example of amelioration. In the 1300s, the word originally meant that a person was foolish or silly. However, by the 1800s, the process of amelioration had changed this, and the word came to mean that someone was kind and thoughtful. From this, we can see that amelioration is a process that can take centuries to occur.

Sick

Many slang terms, such as ‘sick’, have undergone the process of amelioration over the years. Terms such as ‘sick’ or ‘wicked’ now also have positive connotations. This is because when used as slang, they gain a new, positive, meaning and are associated with the word, ‘cool’.

Pejoration

Pejoration is a term used to describe the process where a word that once had a positive meaning acquires a negative one. It is sometimes also referred to as semantic deterioration. This type of semantic change usually occurs due to extralinguistic causes. This can include a word becoming taboo, or being linked with a taboo within the culture.

Below, we will look at two different examples of pejoration:

Silly

The word, ‘silly’, is a common example of pejoration. In Old and Middle English, the term was used to mean that someone was happy, or spiritually blessed. However, over the centuries, this changed and by the 1500s, the word became associated with acting foolishly — as it is today!

Attitude

This word was originally used to refer to someone’s pose or posture. The meaning of the word changed, referring to someone’s way of thinking instead. From this, the term began to be used colloquially which led it to be associated with acting rude or unkind. A phrase such as ‘he has a bad attitude’ can become shortened to ‘he has an attitude’, showing that the word has gained a negative meaning.

Semantic change: reclamation

Semantic reclamation occurs when a group of people who have been oppressed reclaim (or take back) a word that has been used in the past to disparage them. The people who reclaim these words use them in a positive context and in doing this, the word is stripped of its power to disparage the group.

Semantic reclamation is often a political and controversial act, as these words become special to one particular group. Words have been reclaimed by groups such as women, ethnic minorities and the LGBTQIA community.

It is important to remember when discussing this form of semantic change that, unlike amelioration, the word may still also be used in the pejorative sense.

Words that have undergone semantic change

We’ve discussed examples of the different types of semantic change. However, here are a few more interesting examples that show the change of the English language over time!

  • Girl (narrowing)- originally referred to a child of either gender. The meaning narrowed to refer to a female child.
  • Playdough (broadening)- was originally the brand name. The meaning broadened to refer to the product as well.
  • Fun (amelioration)- originally had negative connotations meaning ‘to cheat or trick’. The meaning now has positive connotations of amusement.
  • Stench (pejoration)- originally meant ‘smell, odour, or fragrance’. The meaning now has negative connotations of a bad or unpleasant smell.

Semantic Change — Key Takeaways

  • Semantic change refers to a type of language change in which the meaning of a word changes over time. Semantic change can be caused by extralinguistic and linguistic factors.
  • Narrowing is when a word’s meaning becomes more specialised in time.
  • Broadening is when a word becomes more generalised and gains additional meanings.
  • Amelioration is when a word’s meaning changes from negative to positive.
  • Pejoration is when a word’s meaning changes from positive to negative.
  • Semantic reclamation is a process where a word that was once used to disparage a group of people is reclaimed by the group.

Looking back, I have fond memories of the “early days of the internet” (well, as we see them now, anyways) where I’d get home from school, hop onto the computer and chat using IRC (Internet Relay Chat), mostly with others I’d seen at school not an hour or two earlier that day. While at the time this seemed somewhat run of the mill, I got to thinking about how this kind of interaction influenced how I communicate online and via text in general.

Over the years, I’ve met several people who influenced the words I choose when communicating. Whether verbally or over text, words have a specific meaning and, to me, there is little room for interpretation when selecting ones words. As I communicated more and more over text, I realised how much we actually convey without realising, purely through our choice of words. Today I’d like to pinpoint several words, how I interpret them in communication and how removing them or adjusting them can improve and provide clarity to one’s communication.

But

This is the trigger word we all know and love. Breaking it down, this word’s meaning is pretty clear; everything before the word “but” is insignificant. For example, “I’m really sorry you feel that way, but I believe I’m correct”. What the speaker is really saying here is, “I believe I’m correct”. They’re not really sorry. A slight adjustment here could be, I’m really sorry you feel that way, Johnny. I feel I’m correct, here”.

How to remove “but”: Replace the word with the end of a sentence and the beginning of a new sentence.

Just

I’ve noticed this word come up quite a lot, recently. I feel this word indicates stress, anxiety or tension of a time-sensitive nature. For example, when sitting on front of a hot plate of food without cutlery, one could ask “Johnny, please hand me some cutlery” or, “Johnny, could you just hand me some cutlery, please?”. Same request; different tone.

How to remove “just”: Just remove it. Your sentence doesn’t need it, in this context.

And

Okay, so this may seem like an odd one. The use of “and”, for me, is down to remembering to breath. “I went to the beach and it was fun and we played volleyball and swam in the sea” is a very long sentence. We often use “and” to separate two thoughts in the same sentence. If there are two thoughts, there is surely a more creative method of stating the two thoughts as separate sentences, perhaps combining them in another way.

Executive Summary

Overall, removing a few small words from one’s daily vocabulary can provide additional clarity to what one is saying, while also conveying the appropriate tone one wishes to share. Tone is extremely important, especially when communicating over text.

Keep it clean… no “just”s, “and”s or “but”s.

Examples of nouns that have different meanings from singular to plural:

accommodation: an uncountable noun as a word for a change in behavior or attitude that helps people work together or end a disagreement; the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances.

accommodations: a word for lodging and meals or traveling space and related services.

due: a right, what is owed.

dues: money paid regularly for membership in an organization or union.

effect (effects): is an abstract noun, a word for a condition, or state of affairs that is produced by a cause; the condition of being in full force.

effects: another definition for the plural is a concrete noun, a word for the things that belong to someone; artificial images and sounds created for film.

good: abstract noun; a word for something conforming to a moral order; praiseworthy character; something beneficial or useful.

goods: concrete noun; a word for something having value; something produced for purchase.

notion (notions): an abstract noun; a word for a conception of or belief about something; a sudden wish or desire.

notions: a concrete noun; a word for small useful articles (as pins, needles, or thread).

There are nouns that have an abstract and a concrete context:

change: an abstract noun as a word for a difference.

change: a concrete noun as a word for coins.

activity: an abstract noun as a word for the actions involved in a task.

activity: a concrete noun as a word for the physical intensity of a radioactive source.

edge: an abstract noun as a word for an advantage.

edge: a concrete noun as a word for the sharp side of a blade or the farthest out part of something.

license: an abstract noun as a word for permission.

license: a concrete noun as a word for a written document or plate affixed to a vehicle.

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