Change Meaning

UK /tʃeɪndʒ/
US /tʃeɪndʒ/
Word Definition
change meaning

Change Definition & Usage

verb

To make or become different in some way.

Examples

  • "She decided to change her hairstyle for the summer."
  • "The company is planning to change its marketing strategy."
  • "They had to change their plans due to the weather forecast."
  • "It’s difficult to change habits once they’re formed."
  • "He changed his mind about moving to a new city."
verb

To exchange (something) for something else, typically money or goods.

Examples

  • "I need to change some dollars into euros for my trip."
  • "Can you change a twenty for two tens?"
  • "He changed his old car for a newer model."
  • "The bank charges a fee for changing foreign currency."
  • "She changed her coat for a warmer one when it started raining."
noun

The act or process of making or becoming different.

Examples

  • "The change in her attitude was noticeable after the meeting."
  • "There's been a significant change in the weather lately."
  • "I can't believe the change in him after his trip abroad."
  • "The change from childhood to adolescence is a difficult one."
  • "The government announced a change in policy regarding healthcare."
noun

Coins or paper money of different denominations, often used to refer to small amounts.

Examples

  • "Do you have any change for a dollar?"
  • "I gave him five dollars, but he didn’t have the right change."
  • "The machine doesn’t give change, so make sure you have exact change."
  • "He was looking for change to pay the bus fare."
  • "I got some change after buying the coffee."

Cultural Context

The word 'change' has wide usage in both literal and figurative contexts. It stems from Latin 'cambiare', meaning 'to exchange' or 'to barter', and has evolved over centuries to encompass a broad range of meanings, including personal transformation, modification, and even financial transactions.

The Winds of Change

Story

The Winds of Change

Emma stood on the balcony of her new apartment, gazing out over the city below. It had been a week since she moved from her small town, and the feeling of change was still overwhelming. The decision to move had come after years of contemplation. She had spent months debating whether to leave the comfort of her old life behind for the unknown bustle of the city. Now, as she stood there, the city lights shimmering like promises of new beginnings, she realized how much her life had already changed. She remembered the first day she arrived. It was pouring rain, and she had been completely unprepared. She’d had to change out of her wet clothes before even unpacking her bags. But that was just one of many changes that awaited her. The pace of life here was different—faster, more unpredictable. On her second day, she had gone to the local café, and the barista had suggested she try a different coffee, a dark roast she’d never heard of before. The change in taste was subtle, yet it symbolized her new way of experiencing things. As Emma settled in, she began to notice the small changes that happened every day. The way she dressed had shifted—her old sweaters and flannels seemed out of place here. Her friends had also changed, or perhaps she had changed and they had remained the same. The long phone calls with her childhood friends now felt different, distant, as if their lives were diverging. But it wasn’t all about losing things—she had gained a lot as well. The energy of the city made her feel alive in ways she hadn’t expected. It wasn’t easy, but change rarely is. One evening, after a particularly challenging day at work, Emma took a walk along the river. The city skyline loomed in front of her, its glowing lights a reminder of how much had changed in just a few short months. She smiled softly, feeling both nostalgic and hopeful for the future. Change was not just inevitable; it was part of the journey. The city was full of people like her, all seeking change in their own ways, whether it was in their career, their relationships, or their personal lives. By the time she returned to her apartment, Emma had a new sense of acceptance. Change wasn’t something to fear. It was something to embrace. After all, it was change that had brought her here.

The Winds of Change