Change: English Vocabulary List

to change something in a significant or fundamental way

"The internet revolutionized global communication."

"The invention of the smartphone revolutionized the way people communicate and access information all around the entire world."

to make something steady and prevent it from fluctuating

"The medication stabilizes his blood pressure quickly."

"The doctor gave the patient medication to stabilize his heart rate and prevent further complications from the condition."

to change the shape or condition of something in a way that is no longer clear or natural

"Heat can distort metal."

"Extreme heat can distort the metal structure, causing it to lose its original shape and integrity over time."

to do something in order to make up for a wrongdoing or to make things right

"We need to redress this injustice."

"The new law aims to redress the historical injustices suffered by indigenous people by providing compensation and land rights."

to correct or improve a situation

"The doctor can remedy your condition."

"The doctor prescribed a strong antibiotic to remedy the patient's bacterial infection and help him recover quickly."

to lessen something's seriousness, severity, or painfulness

"We must mitigate the environmental damage."

"The company took immediate steps to mitigate the damage caused by the data breach by notifying affected customers and offering free credit monitoring."

to make very precise adjustments, usually small ones, to improve or perfect something

"He fine tuned the guitar strings."

"The engineer spent hours trying to fine-tune the machine for optimal performance and efficiency."

to make a situation less tense or dangerous by calming emotions or reducing the likelihood of conflict or violence

"He defused the tense situation calmly."

"The experienced negotiator was able to defuse the tense hostage situation by calmly talking to the criminal and building trust."

to increase rapidly and dramatically, often referring to prices, numbers, or success

"Prices skyrocketed after the storm."

"The price of gasoline skyrocketed after the announcement of supply cuts by major oil producing countries around the world."

to place limits or boundaries on something to reduce its scope or size

"The company curtailed unnecessary expenses."

"The manager decided to curtail the meeting because everyone was tired and nothing productive was being discussed anymore."

to make something change from a particular state, condition or position to another

"We will transition now."

"The company is currently transitioning to a new software system which may cause some temporary disruptions in workflow."

the action of making something bigger in size, quantity, or scope

"The enlargement of the photo was clear."

"The enlargement of the European Union brought many new member states into the economic community."

a sudden and significant change or disruption, especially in relation to politics or social conditions

"The war caused a great upheaval."

"The company underwent a major upheaval when the new CEO fired half the managers and completely restructured the organization chart."

a sudden or abrupt rise in quantity, intensity, or activity

"Sudden surge happened."

"There was a sudden surge in demand for masks during the health crisis last year."

describing something that happens suddenly, often with sharp or noticeable changes

"His departure was abrupt."

"The abrupt ending of the movie left the audience confused and dissatisfied with the story."

to cause something to change

"Do not alter the original document."

"The new medication may alter your sleep patterns so take it in the morning rather than at night."

to change the appearance, character, or nature of a person or object

"A caterpillar transforms into a butterfly."

"The caterpillar will transform into a beautiful butterfly after spending several weeks inside its chrysalis."

to change the form, purpose, character, etc. of something

"Convert the currency before traveling."

"The company plans to convert the old warehouse into modern loft apartments for young professionals seeking affordable housing in the city."

to develop from a simple form to a more complex or sophisticated one over an extended period

"Species evolve over long periods."

"The company's business model has evolved significantly over the past decade to keep up with changing market demands and new technologies."

to change something in a way that suits a new purpose or situation better

"We adapt quickly."

"Organisms must adapt to changing environmental conditions to survive and thrive in their habitats."

to make something less intense, forceful, or vigorous

"We must refine the plan."

"The experienced chef decided to refine the sauce by adding a subtle blend of exotic spices."

to move back and forth in a regular rhythm between two or more states, positions, or opinions

"The needle oscillates back and forth."

"The needle on the gauge began to oscillate rapidly back and forth indicating an unstable reading from the engine sensor."

to become much worse or more intense

"The fight will escalate."

"Without intervention, the minor disagreement between the neighbors began to escalate into a serious feud."

to cause something to develop into a particular state, condition, or quality

"This will render the task easy."

"The new software update will render the old system completely obsolete."

to break or lose structure and unity over time

"The paper disintegrated in water."

"The old piece of paper disintegrated into tiny fragments when I tried to pick it up because it was so old and brittle."

to decline in quality, condition, or overall state

"The building deteriorated over many years."

"The patient's health began to deteriorate rapidly after the surgery so the doctors were very worried."

to vary or waver between two or more states or amounts

"Stock prices fluctuate throughout the trading day."

"The price of gasoline tends to fluctuate depending on global oil supply and demand throughout the year."

remaining unchanged and stable in degree, amount, or condition

"The temperature is constant."

"Despite the challenges, his constant dedication to the project never wavered, ensuring its eventual success."

prone to unexpected and sudden changes, usually gets worse or dangerous

"The situation is volatile."

"The stock market is volatile and prices can rise or fall dramatically within a single day so investing carries significant risk for inexperienced traders."

characterized by continuous and often rapid change or progress

"The market is dynamic now."

"Her dynamic personality and innovative ideas made her an invaluable asset to the team."