modify

American  

[mod-uh-fahy] / ˈmɒd əˌfaɪ /

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.

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verb (used without object)

modified, modifying

1. to be or become modified.

modify British  

/ 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

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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

Explanation

To modify is to change or transform, but only slightly. If you miss your free-throws half the time, your coach will probably try to improve your shooting average by modifying your technique. Modify may mean to alter something, but it's not a total makeover. When you modify or make modifications, you're making subtle changes. These tweaks are usually needed to make improvements or make the thing being modified less extreme. So you can modify your voice if your tone is too harsh, or modify your wardrobe with a few new pairs of cool shoes.

Example Sentences

Because the grantor retains the power to modify or dissolve them, the assets remain fully exposed to debts, lawsuits and bankruptcy claims.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Still, companies including Meta, Amazon and Google parent Alphabet have reported huge surges in AI-generated code, with software engineers deploying agents to write and modify it for them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

It means vaccine developers can now modify the adenovirus protein to prevent this issue and improve vaccine safety.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Alongside steroids and emollients, there are immunosuppressants; newer drugs which modify the immune system; and phototherapy which uses UV light.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“I’ll take her home and see what her mother thinks of her choice. But if you don’t modify that outfit, the only trick you are getting is to stay here.”

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Related Words

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