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

ANO shares the Motorists' misgivings about the EU's emissions targets, and vows to modify or reject them outright.

From BBC

“He’s been in a slow ramp-up. He was a modified participant, nothing live today. He’s expected to be fine by the end of the week.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cinemagoers later realised some scenes had been modified after screenshots showing the original scenes went viral online.

From BBC

She’s modified lessons of her own, creating treasure maps of the classroom and playground.

From Los Angeles Times

“Somebody within the administration drives an announcement, there’s blowback, and then they end up modifying their plans.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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