modify

verb

mod·​i·​fy ˈmä-də-ˌfī 

modified; modifying

transitive verb

1

: to make less extreme : moderate

traffic rules were modified to let him pass

—Van Wyck Brooks

2

a

: to limit or restrict the meaning of especially in a grammatical construction

In the phrase "the red hat," the adjective "red" modifies the noun "hat."

b

: to change (a vowel) by umlaut

3

a

: to make minor changes in

had to modify his plan

b

: to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end

the wing of a bird is an arm modified for flying

intransitive verb

: to undergo change

modifiability

ˌmä-də-ˌfī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

modifiable

ˈmä-də-ˌfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• qualify

Choose the Right Synonym for modify

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different.

change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Examples of modify in a Sentence

We can help you modify an existing home or build a new one.

He modified the recipe by using oil instead of butter.

She has modified her views on the matter.

The design was modified to add another window.

We played a modified version of our favorite game.

Adjectives usually modify nouns, and adverbs usually modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.

In the phrase “a red hat,” the adjective “red” modifies the noun “hat.”

Recent Examples on the Web

Candy-makers have responded by shrinking the size of the products, modifying recipes and leaning heavier into non-chocolate offerings. —Alicia Wallace, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024

Perhaps most awaited in this final update is Safehouse Customization, which lets players modify their preferred base, cleaning up debris, building beds, tables and storage, and even picture frames to hang the photos the camera took on the wall. —Jason Bennett, arkansasonline.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Push-ups help build upper body strength and can be modified to suit different fitness levels.7 To do: Start in a plank position. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Additional photos provided by the company detail how the ships were modified and constructed at a nearby Iranian shipyard, including the addition of a ski-jump ramp and angled flight deck that can be used to launch and recover drones. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English modifien, from Anglo-French modifier, from Latin modificare to measure, moderate, from modus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing modify

• pre-modify

Kids Definition

modify

verb

mod·​i·​fy ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī 

modified; modifying

1

: to make changes in : alter

modify a plan

2

: to lower or reduce in amount or degree : moderate

3

: to limit in meaning : qualify

in the phrase "green gloves," "green" modifies "gloves"

modifiable

-ˌfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

modify

transitive verb

mod·​i·​fy ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī 

modified; modifying

: to make a change in

modify behavior by the use of drugs

modifiability

ˌmäd-ə-ˌfī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural modifiabilities

modifiable

-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

adjective