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modify
[ mod-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈmɒd əˌfaɪ /
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Definition of modify
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
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use modify in a sentence
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 forms of modify
modifiable, adjectivemodifiability or modifiableness, nounWord 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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