verb

modify

MOD-ih-feye

verb

To change part of something, usually without altering its overall nature.

"The airline modified its baggage policy last month."

"She modified the recipe to make it dairy-free."

(grammar) To describe or limit the meaning of another word.

"In "red car," the adjective "red" modifies the noun "car.""

How to Use Modify

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make a change to something, or (in grammar) for one word to describe another.

Common pairings

modify a plan modify behavior

Word Forms

modified past tense, Modified past tense, modify plural, modified plural, modifies singular, modify singular, modified singular, modifiest singular, modifiedst singular, modifieth singular, Modifies singular

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Etymology

From Middle French modifier, from Latin modificare ("to regulate, moderate"), from modus ("measure") plus facere ("to make").

Synonyms

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adapt alter amend revamp rework

Related Words

change alter adapt castrate compensate deteriorate organize addict

Rhymes for modify

unify verify pacify notify purify qualify amplify crucify specify falsify certify clarify

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