How to pronounce alter
Say it like AWL-ter. Alter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AWL
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of alter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AWL-tuh.
What does alter mean?
- 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”
- 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”
- make an alteration to“This dress needs to be altered”
Where does alter come from?
From Old French alterer (French altérer), from Medieval Latin alterāre (“to make other”), from Latin alter (“the other”), from al- (seen in alius (“other”), alienus (“of another”), etc.; see alias, alien, etc.) + compar.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with alter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of alter.
Words that sound like alter
Questions about saying alter
How do you pronounce alter?
Say AWL-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔltɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɔːltə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alter?
Alter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL). Broken into parts: AWL · ter.
Is alter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɔːltə/ (AWL-tuh).
What words sound the same as alter?
Alter sounds the same as altar in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.