modify

[mod-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

modified, modifying 

1. to change somewhat the form or qualities of; alter partially; amend.

   to modify a contract.

   Synonyms: reform, shape, adjust, vary

2. 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.

3. to be the modifier or attribute of.

4. to change (a vowel) by umlaut.

5. to reduce or lessen in degree or extent; moderate; soften.

   to modify one's demands.

verb (used without object)

modified, modifying 

1. to be or become modified.

modify

/ ˈmɒdɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to change the structure, character, intent, etc, of

2. to make less extreme or uncompromising

   to modify a demand

3. grammar (of a word or group of words) to bear the relation of modifier to (another word or group of words)

4. linguistics to change (a vowel) by umlaut

5. (intr) to be or become modified

Other Word Forms

• modifiable adjective
• modifiability noun
• modifiableness noun
• nonmodifying adjective
• overmodify verb
• premodify verb (used with object)
• remodify verb
• unmodifiable adjective
• unmodified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of modify¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English modifien, from Middle French modifier, from Latin modificāre “to impose a rule or pattern, regulate, restrain”; equivalent to mode ¹ + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of modify¹

C14: from Old French modifier, from Latin modificāre to limit, control, from modus measure + facere to make

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

The research team first modified the antibody by altering the IgG DNA sequence to "give it a different backbone" that converted it into a dIgA antibody.

Read more on Science Daily

Officials said several of the weapons found appeared to have been modified from their state-compliant configuration, and one short-barreled rifle without serial numbers was found in the attic during the search.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bryant had already been doing some research of her own and was able to modify her space accordingly.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Then once the chemical code has been cracked, it will guide scientists on how to modify potential antibiotics to bypass the organism's defences.

Read more on BBC

“If we determine that any rule no longer serves the public interest, we will fulfill our statutory duty to modify or eliminate those rules.”

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• adapt 
• adjust 
• correct 
• customize 
• repair 
• reshape 
• revise 
• rework 
• tweak 
• vary