Change Definition & Meaning
change
- noun
- 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"
- a relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event; "he attributed the change to their marriage"
- the action of changing something; "the change of government had no impact on the economy"; "his change on abortion cost him the election"
- the result of alteration or modification; "there were marked changes in the lining of the lungs"; "there had been no change in the mountains"
- 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"
- a thing that is different; "he inspected several changes before selecting one"
- a different or fresh set of clothes; "she brought a change in her overnight bag"
- coins of small denomination regarded collectively; "he had a pocketful of change"
- 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"
- a difference that is usually pleasant; "he goes to France for variety"; "it is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic"
- verb
- 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"
- 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"
- 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"
- lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; "switch to a different brand of beer"; "She switched psychiatrists"; "The car changed lanes"
- change clothes; put on different clothes; "Change before you go to the opera"
- 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"
- give to, and receive from, one another; "Would you change places with me?"; "We have been exchanging letters for a year"
- change from one vehicle or transportation line to another; "She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast"
- become deeper in tone; "His voice began to change when he was 12 years old"; "Her voice deepened when she whispered the password"
- remove or replace the coverings of; "Father had to learn how to change the baby"; "After each guest we changed the bed linens"
"Change" in song lyrics
See how change is used in real songs:
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"Rocks like golf balls, chains like tow truck change"
1.4.0. Productions f/ Shawn Wigs, Toilet — Life's Been Good to Me -
"Let's pocket the change..."
1.4.0. Productions f/ Lounge Lo, Polite, Shawn Wigs — Back on the Grind -
"You gain more foes as your lifestyle change'"
2 Live Crew — You Got Larceny
Words that rhyme with change
Usage tips for "change"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "change" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for change to find words that pair well.