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modify

[ mod-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈmɒd əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object), mod·i·fied, mod·i·fy·ing.

to change somewhat the form or qualities of; alter partially; amend: to modify a contract.
Grammar. (of a word, phrase, or clause) to stand in a syntactically subordinate relation to (another word, phrase, or clause), usually with descriptive, limiting, or particularizing meaning; be a modifier. In a good man, good modifies man.
to be the modifier or attribute of.
to change (a vowel) by umlaut.
to reduce or lessen in degree or extent; moderate; soften: to modify one's demands.

verb (used without object), mod·i·fied, mod·i·fy·ing.

to be or become modified.

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Origin of modify

1350–1400; Middle English modifien < Middle French modifier < Latin modificāre to impose a rule or pattern, regulate, restrain. See mode1, -ify

SYNONYMS FOR modify

1 vary, adjust, shape, reform.

synonym study for modify

5. Modify, qualify, temper suggest altering an original statement, condition, or the like, so as to avoid anything excessive or extreme. To modify is to alter in one or more particulars, generally in the direction of leniency or moderation: to modify demands, rates. To qualify is to restrict or limit by exceptions or conditions: to qualify one's praise, hopes. To temper is to alter the quality of something, generally so as to diminish its force or harshness: to temper one's criticism with humor.

OTHER WORDS FROM modify

Words nearby modify

modificatory, modified american plan, modified radical mastectomy, modified-release, modifier, modify, modigliani, modillion, modiolus, modish, modiste
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for modifiability

  • All neurones have the three characteristics of sensitivity, conductivity, and modifiability.

    Principles of Teaching|Adam S. Bennion

  • There appears indeed to be hardly any limit to the almost infinite plasticity and modifiability of domestic animals.

    Charles Darwin|Grant Allen

  • As has been already suggested, one of the most important characteristics of all these tendencies is their modifiability.

    How to Teach|George Drayton Strayer and Naomi Norsworthy

  • The plasticity of neurone groups seems to vary in two respects--as to modifiability and as to power to hold modifications.

    How to Teach|George Drayton Strayer and Naomi Norsworthy

British Dictionary definitions for modifiability

modify
/ (ˈmɒdɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (mainly tr)

to change the structure, character, intent, etc, of
to make less extreme or uncompromisingto modify a demand
grammar (of a word or group of words) to bear the relation of modifier to (another word or group of words)
linguistics to change (a vowel) by umlaut
(intr) to be or become modified

Derived forms of modify

modifiable, adjectivemodifiability or modifiableness, noun

Word Origin for modify

C14: from Old French modifier, from Latin modificāre to limit, control, from modus measure + facere to make
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012