Alter-Altar | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Alter vs. Altar

Alter

/ˈɔːltə/
To change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change

Examples:

He alters his features, yes; but that is the least part.'Whence comes this altered tone?''What do you hear?' asked the lady, altering her phrase.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Altar

/ˈɔːltə/
A table or platform used in religious practices for offerings, sacrifices, or rituals.

Examples:

The couple exchanged vows at the flower-adorned altar.She placed the offering delicately on the altar stone.He knelt before the altar, seeking guidance through prayer.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Altar has a t before the a, just like the t in temple, which is where altars are often found.
  • Remember altar as related to places of worship — it rhymes with altar in altar server.
  • Alter means to change something, and both alter and change have an e near the end.
  • Consider alter is similar to alternative, needing a change in plan.
  • An altar is a noun as it refers to a structure, while alter is a verb referring to the action of changing something.
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