altered
UK[ˈɔːltəd]US[ˈɔːltərd]
adj
Changed in form, character, or composition.
verb (past tense and past participle of 'alter')
Made or became different.
Morpheme Breakdown
alter
ed
alter
change
ed
past participle suffix
Etymology
The word 'altered' originates from the Latin verb 'alterare', meaning 'to change', which itself derives from 'alter', signifying 'the other (of two)'. This root implies a transformation from one state to another, a concept of difference and substitution. The suffix '-ed', of Germanic origin, was attached to the verb 'alter' following its adoption into Middle English from Old French 'alterer'. The combined form 'altered' thus literally means 'having been changed to another state', perfectly capturing its modern sense of something that has been modified from its original condition.
Analysis
Structure: alter (change) + ed (past participle suffix)
'alter' is from Latin 'alter' meaning 'other (of two)'. The suffix '-ed' is from Old English '-ed', '-od', '-ad', used to form the past tense and past participle of verbs.
Examples
The dress was significantly altered to fit her perfectly.
His opinion on the matter has not altered over the years.
The landscape was permanently altered by the volcanic eruption.