modify

The word “modify” means to change part of something, usually without altering its overall nature. In plain terms, to make a change to something, or (in grammar) for one word to describe another.

“Modify” is pronounced MOD-ih-feye (/ˈmɑ.dɪˌfaɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “modify” used in a sentence: “The airline modified its baggage policy last month.”

Words with a similar meaning to “modify” include adapt, alter, amend, revamp and rework.

“Modify” is a verb.

The word “modify” comes from Latin. From Middle French modifier, from Latin modificare ("to regulate, moderate"), from modus ("measure") plus facere ("to make").

“Modify” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Modify” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to change part of something, usually without altering its overall nature.

Modify means to change part of something usually without altering its overall nature, implying a partial, targeted adjustment. Change is a broader term that can describe any alteration, including a complete transformation, while modify specifically suggests the core identity of the thing stays intact.

In grammar, to modify means to describe or limit the meaning of another word, as adjectives modify nouns and adverbs modify verbs. For example, in "the red car," the adjective "red" modifies the noun "car" by narrowing its meaning.

Modify generally means changing part of something without altering its overall nature, while adapt implies changing something specifically to suit a new purpose, environment, or set of conditions. Adapt often carries a stronger sense of fitting something to new circumstances than modify does.