Definition of the word alteration

The word "alteration" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the verb "alterare," which means "to change" or "to make different." This verb is a combination of "al-" (meaning "other" or "another") and "terere" (meaning "to rub" or "to wear out"). In Latin, "alterare" was used to describe the act of changing or modifying something, whether it was a person, a thing, or an idea. The noun "alteration" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French, where it was spelled "alteracio." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved to its current form. Today, "alteration" refers to a change or modification made to something, whether it is a physical object, a process, or a concept. It can also refer to a change that is made deliberately, such as an alteration to a piece of clothing or a change to a policy.