mindmap root((改变)) change implies making either an essential difference often amouting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another: ~d the shirt for a larger size. alter implies the making of a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity: slightly ~ed the orighinal design. vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication and repetition: you can ~ the speed of the converyor belt. modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose: ~ied the building for use by the handicapped.