alter

Where does the word "alter" come from? It comes from Latin alterare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Alter’s story begins in Latin: alterare meant “to change.” From 'alter', other. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as alterer. Reached English in the late 1300s; the sense 'to become different' only appears in the 1580s. It reached English by 1300s as alter. 'alter ego' is pure Latin, 'other self'. Today, alter means to change.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient alterare "to change", from 'alter', other.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval alterer "to change", reached English in the late 1300s; the sense 'to become different' only appears in the 1580s.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s alter "to change", 'alter ego' is pure Latin, 'other self'.