Definitions
- Referring to making changes to something, often in a significant or noticeable way. - Talking about modifying or adjusting the appearance, structure, or function of something. - Describing the act of transforming or converting something into a different form or state.
- Referring to making small changes to something to improve its performance or fit. - Talking about adapting or accommodating to new circumstances or situations. - Describing the act of fine-tuning or calibrating something to achieve optimal results.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve making changes to something.
- 2Both can improve the performance or fit of something.
- 3Both require attention to detail and precision.
- 4Both can be used in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or technical settings.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Alter implies more significant or noticeable changes than adjust, which involves smaller or more precise modifications.
- 2Purpose: Alter is often used to transform or convert something into a different form or state, while adjust is used to optimize or fine-tune something for better performance or fit.
- 3Degree: Alter involves a higher degree of change than adjust, which is more focused on minor or incremental changes.
- 4Timeframe: Adjust is often used in the present tense to describe immediate or ongoing changes, while alter is more commonly used in the past tense to describe completed changes.
- 5Connotation: Alter can have a more drastic or permanent connotation than adjust, which can be seen as more flexible or temporary.
Remember this!
Alter and adjust are both verbs that describe making changes to something. However, alter implies more significant or noticeable changes, often involving transformation or conversion, while adjust involves smaller or more precise modifications to optimize or fine-tune something for better performance or fit.
