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

Congress had said the Education Department may “waive or modify” monthly loan payments during a national emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not say the loans may be forgiven, the court said.

From Los Angeles Times

In August, the court modified its earlier directive requiring all stray dogs in Delhi to be moved into shelters.

From BBC

Police are warning that more illegal and modified e-bikes will be seized in the coming months and say they will end up on the scrap heap.

From BBC

It has contracted SpaceX to use a modified version of Starship to take humans to the Moon as part its Artemis programme in 2027, although most observers say that date is almost certain to slip.

From BBC

As part of last year’s restoration, the city also installed bollards at the entrances to Plaza Park, changed the lighting and modified the entrances of the traffic circle to deter vehicles from speeding.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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