mutare
change
Definition & meaning
Mutare means to change, alter, or transform. It can describe changing something or changing oneself. It is often more formal or literary than cambiare .
- To change something: mutare idea — to change one’s mind.
- To change or transform: Il tempo muta — The weather changes.
- To exchange: mutare una banconota — to exchange a banknote, though cambiare is more common in this sense.
Grammar & Word origin
Mutare is a regular -are verb. It can be transitive, with a direct object, or intransitive, without one. Its reflexive form, mutarsi , means “to change” or “to turn into.”
It comes from Latin mutare, meaning “to change” or “exchange.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- cambiare — “to change”; the usual, more everyday term.
- modificare — “to modify”; often suggests a partial or deliberate alteration.
- trasformare — “to transform”; emphasizes a more substantial change.
Antonyms
- conservare — “to preserve” or “keep unchanged.”
- mantenere — “to maintain” something in its existing state.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Il tempo può mutare velocemente.verb
The weather can change quickly.
I suoi lineamenti sono mutati negli anni.verb
His features have changed over the years.
Spero che i nostri piani non mutino.verb
I hope that our plans do not change.
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