modify

[ mod-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, mod·i·fied, mod·i·fy·ing.

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)

, mod·i·fied, mod·i·fy·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˌmodiˌfiaˈbility, noun
• ˈmodiˌfiable, adjective

Other Words From

• modi·fia·ble adjective
• modi·fia·bili·ty modi·fia·ble·ness noun
• non·modi·fying adjective
• over·modi·fy verb overmodified overmodifying
• pre·modi·fy verb (used with object) premodified premodifying
• re·modi·fy verb remodified remodifying
• un·modi·fia·ble adjective
• un·modi·fied 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

Still, there are technical challenges, with SpaceX yet to complete the $4-billion Starship lunar lander, which would have to be modified for Mars.

From Los Angeles Times

In his call to authorities about the mosque, he claimed that he had an illegally modified AR-15, a Glock 17 pistol, pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails.

From Los Angeles Times

Its recent testing demonstrated existing trains could also be modified to go full or part battery-powered.

From BBC

McGuinness, who hosts a Sunday morning show on BBC Radio 2, will cycle through three nations and eight counties on a modified Raleigh Chopper bike.

From BBC

The modified vehicle will also monitor weather conditions and ambient light to help build a complete picture of the circumstances most likely to lead to headlight glare.

From BBC

Related Words

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