change
change
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "change" is /ˈtʃeɪndʒ/ (for most American and British dialects). Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First syllable (ˈtʃeɪ):
/ˈ: Stress marker, indicates this syllable is emphasised.
/tʃ/: The "ch" sound, like in "cheese".
/eɪ/: A diphthong sound, like the "ay" sound in "say".
Second syllable (ndʒ):
/n/: The "n" sound, like in "name".
/dʒ/: The "j" sound, like in "jump".
Word Form Variations
The word "change" has a few variations depending on its function in the sentence:
Singular noun: This is the most common form, referring to the act of becoming different or the state of being different. (e.g., "The weather is undergoing a change.")
Plural noun: "Changes" is the plural form, referring to multiple instances of change. (e.g., "There have been many changes in the company this year.")
Verb (present tense): "Change" can function as a verb, meaning to make something different or become different. (e.g., "I need to change my clothes.")
Verb (past tense): The past tense of "change" is "changed." (e.g., "She changed her mind about going to the party.")
Verb (past participle): The past participle is also "changed." (e.g., "The flat tire has been changed.")
Verb (present participle): The present participle is "changing." (e.g., "The world is constantly changing.")
Gerund: "Changing" can also function as a gerund (a noun form of a verb), referring to the act of changing itself. (e.g., "I enjoy the challenge of changing things up.")
There are no irregular conjugations for "change," so the verb forms follow the standard patterns.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition:
The act or process of becoming different in some way. (e.g., "The political climate is undergoing a rapid change.")
The state of being different from what it used to be. (e.g., "There's a noticeable change in his attitude.")
An alteration or modification. (e.g., "The recipe calls for a few minor changes.")
A substitution of one thing for another. (e.g., "I need some change for the bus.")
Synonyms: alteration, modification, transformation, variation, shift, difference, metamorphosis (for dramatic change)
Antonyms: constancy, stability, permanence, stagnation
Verb:
Definition:
To make something different. (e.g., "He changed the light bulb.")
To become different. (e.g., "Her hair colour changed after spending time in the sun.")
Synonyms: alter, modify, transform, convert, switch, swap (for exchanging), replace
Antonyms: keep the same, maintain, preserve, stay the same
Gerund:
Definition: The act or process of changing. (e.g., "Change is inevitable.")
Synonyms: transformation, evolution, development, metamorphosis (for dramatic change)
Antonyms: stagnation, stasis, lack of progress
Examples of Use
Noun:
Literature:
"The time had come for a change" (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities). (This example highlights a turning point in the story.)
Newspaper:
"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today" (The New York Times, June 2024). (This refers to the ongoing shift in global weather patterns.)
Online Publication:
"5 Tips for Leading Change in Your Organization" (Forbes) (This focuses on the concept of change within a business setting.)
Entertainment (Movie):
In the movie Black Panther, T'Challa's return to Wakanda sparks a change in the nation's isolationist policies. (This refers to a shift in political direction.)
Public Discourse:
"Many people are calling for a change in the education system." (This highlights a desire for reform.)
Verb:
Literature:
"She changed her mind and decided to stay home." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice) (This refers to an alteration in a character's decision.)
Newspaper:
"The government is changing its tax laws." (The Washington Post, May 2024) (This focuses on the act of modifying a policy.)
Online Publication:
"How to Change Your Habits and Live a Healthier Lifestyle" (WebMD) (This refers to the process of altering one's behaviour.)
Entertainment (TV Show):
Reality TV shows often depict people undergoing dramatic changes in appearance or lifestyle. (This highlights the act of transformation.)
Public Discourse:
"We need to change the way we treat the environment." (This refers to the need for action to create a difference.)
Gerund:
Literature:
"The constant changing of seasons is a reminder of the impermanence of life." (Heraclitus, Fragments) (This refers to the ongoing process of seasonal shifts.)
Newspaper:
"The rapid changing of technology can be overwhelming for some people." (The Guardian, April 2024) (This highlights the fast-paced nature of technological advancements.)
Online Publication:
"Embrace the challenge of changing and growing as a person." (Psychology Today) (This focuses on the concept of personal development.)
Entertainment (Music):
Many songs explore themes of change, such as Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'." (This refers to the ongoing progression of society.)
Public Discourse:
"Social change is necessary to address issues of inequality." (This refers to the process of working towards a more just society.)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Change
"The only constant is change." - Heraclitus (Greek philosopher)
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." - John F. Kennedy (American politician)
"The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress." - Woodrow Wilson (American politician)
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela (South African revolutionary)
"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." - Winston Churchill (British politician)
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi (Indian independence leader)
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." - Jimmy Dean (American singer and actor)
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." - Leo Tolstoy (Russian author)
"Change before you have to." - Jack Welch (American business leader)
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou (American poet and activist)
Etymology
The word "change" actually travelled a long way before it landed in our English vocabulary! Here's the simplified story:
Way back when: Around 2,000 years ago, people spoke a language called Proto-Celtic in Europe. This language had a word *"kambos" which meant "crooked" or "twisted."
Fast forward a bit: The Celts migrated around Europe, and their languages branched out. One branch became Old Irish, which had a word *camm related to "crooked."
Across the English Channel: Another Celtic language, Gaulish, also had a word *cambion based on the same root. French eventually borrowed this word as changer.
French connection: In the 13th century, English borrowed the French word changer which became our "change." At first, it just meant "to exchange" or "to barter," like trading goods at a market.
So, even though "change" doesn't directly mean "crooked" anymore, it reflects the idea of things being different or bent out of shape from how they were before. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the act of becoming different itself.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Change
Change for the better: This means something improves or becomes more positive. (e.g., "Getting a new job was a change for the better.")
Change for the worse: This means something deteriorates or becomes less positive. (e.g., "The weather has taken a change for the worse.")
A change of heart: This means someone decides differently than they originally planned. (e.g., "She had a change of heart and decided to go to the party after all.")
A change of pace: This means doing something different to break up a routine. (e.g., "Let's take a walk for a change of pace.")
Change of scenery: This means going to a different place for a fresh perspective. (e.g., "A vacation to the beach might be a good change of scenery.")
Times have changed: This means things are different now than they were in the past. (e.g., "Times have changed, and communication is much faster these days.")
Change is as good as a rest: This means a break from routine can be refreshing. (e.g., "I've been working on this project all day, maybe a change is as good as a rest.")
In a constant state of change: This means something is always evolving or transforming. (e.g., "Fashion trends are in a constant state of change.")
Can't change the past: This means we can't alter what has already happened. (e.g., "Don't dwell on your mistakes, you can't change the past.")
Change your tune: This means someone starts to agree with something they previously opposed. (e.g., "He'll change his tune once he sees how much fun we're having!")
Posts Related to Change
Source Information
Definition of change from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.