modify

verb

SayMO-di-fy/ˈmɑdɪfaɪ/UK/ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/

Formsmodifies, modifying, modified

4 meanings of modify

1
verbtransitive
To change one part of something while leaving the rest the same.
Like changing one ingredient in a dish instead of cooking a whole new meal.
She modified the recipe by adding a little more sugar.
You can modify the design to fit your own room.
Similaralter, change, adjust, adapt, amend
2
verbtransitive
To add to or limit the meaning of another word, the way adjectives and adverbs do.
Like a label on a box that tells you more about what's inside.
Adjectives modify nouns to tell us more about them.
In the phrase "ran quickly," the adverb modifies the verb.
Similarqualify
Note
3
verbintransitive
To change, or to become changed, in some way.
Like a path that slowly changes shape as more people walk along it.
Over time, the rules can modify to fit new needs.
The plan modified as the team learned more about the problem.
Similarchange, evolve, alter
4
verbtransitive
To keep something within limits and make it less extreme.
Like turning down the volume so a sound isn't too loud.
Try to modify your anger before you say something you'll regret.
The new rules modified how much power the manager held.
Similartemper, moderate, soften, reduce
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin words meaning "measure" (modus) and "to make" (facere), which came into English through French.