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

Building on previous work, researchers in ACS Infectious Diseases have demonstrated a potential antibacterial treatment from a modified darobactin, a compound originally from a bacterium.

From Science Daily

One way that gene expression can be modified is through the activity of transcription factors.

From Science Daily

The probiotic cancer treatment, described Nov. 20 in the journal Cell Chemical Biology, establishes a customizable drug delivery system that can be modified to potentially treat other gut diseases.

From Science Daily

Severe malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which infects and modifies red blood cells.

From Science Daily

Both sides can modify their requests before Judge Mehta is expected to hear arguments on the remedies this spring.

From New York Times

Related Words

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