modify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to change somewhat the form or qualities of; alter partially; amend.
to modify a contract.
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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.
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to be the modifier or attribute of.
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to change (a vowel) by umlaut.
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to reduce or lessen in degree or extent; moderate; soften.
to modify one's demands.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to change the structure, character, intent, etc, of
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to make less extreme or uncompromising
to modify a demand
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grammar (of a word or group of words) to bear the relation of modifier to (another word or group of words)
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linguistics to change (a vowel) by umlaut
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(intr) to be or become modified
Related Words
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 Word Forms
- modifiability noun
- modifiable adjective
- modifiableness noun
- nonmodifying adjective
- overmodify verb
- premodify verb (used with object)
- remodify verb
- unmodifiable adjective
- unmodified adjective
Etymology
Origin of modify
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to Blumenthal, roughly 80% to 90% of cardiovascular disease is linked, at least in part, to factors people can modify, making lifestyle changes a critical first step.
From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026
The key selling point of Reflection is that it is releasing “open-source” AI models, meaning they are free for users to download and modify.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
The deal is one of the first of its kind involving a U.S. developer of open-source models, which are free for users to download and modify.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
Russell said governing body the FIA had looked to modify the rule that led to those problems but said Ferrari were blocking it, without naming them.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
How might I modify the material if I did not reach my goals or if students need accommodation?
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
