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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Present, Past, And Sometimes Perfect ParticiplesParticiples are words derived from verbs that can function as adjectives or as parts of verb phrases to create verb tenses. The two main types of participles are the present participle and the past participle. The perfect participle depends on the past participle for its forms. Participial phrases function as adjectives that modify the subjects or other nouns in sentences. The Present Participle Adding -ing …
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Origin of modify
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Synonym study
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.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for modify
British Dictionary definitions for modify
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 Formsmodifiable, 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
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Word Origin and History for modify
modify
late 14c., from Old French modifier (14c.), from Latin modificare "to limit, measure off, restrain," from modus "measure, manner" (see mode (n.1)) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). Related: Modified; modifying.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper