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

• modifiability noun
• modifiable adjective
• 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

These modified mice produced a slightly altered version of a liver protein that affects hundreds of genes involved in fat metabolism.

Read more on Science Daily

Supporters even circulated online images of a modified Batman action figure, with “Harfuch” emblazoned on the chest.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, the remaining aircraft which are older versions will need new hardware as well and will need to be taken out of service to be modified.

Read more on BBC

“As a whole it could be the basis for some future agreement,” Putin said of the original draft plan shared with Moscow, which has since been modified with Ukrainian and European input.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But it also notes that “the final decision to modify suppression action” will be based upon factors such as “the probability of threat to life and/or property” and “the availability of fire suppression resources.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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