Modify Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 5, 2024
Modify means to make changes or alterations to something, often to improve it or make it more suitable. e.g., The software allows users to modify the settings easily.
Table of Contents
Modify Definitions
To alter partially but not completely.
The teacher asked her to modify her essay.
To adjust for a new or specific use or purpose.
You can modify the recipe to suit your taste.
To make less extreme or severe.
Medication can modify the symptoms of the disease.
To revise or edit written material.
The editor will modify the article before publication.
To change in form or character.
He modified the car to increase its performance.
To change the behavior or characteristics.
Training can modify a pet's behavior.
To customize or personalize.
The app lets you modify your avatar.
To change in form or character; alter.
To make less extreme, severe, or strong
Refused to modify her stand on the issue.
(Grammar) To qualify or limit the meaning of. For example, summer modifies day in the phrase a summer day.
(Linguistics) To change (a vowel) by umlaut.
To be or become modified; change.
(transitive) To change part of.
Her publisher advised her to modify a few parts of the book to make it easier to read.
(intransitive) To be or become modified.
(transitive) To set bounds to; to moderate.
To qualify the meaning of.
To change somewhat the form or qualities of; to change a part of something while leaving most parts unchanged; to alter somewhat; as, to modify a contrivance adapted to some mechanical purpose; to modify the terms of a contract.
To limit or reduce in extent or degree; to moderate; to qualify; to lower.
Of his graceHe modifies his first severe decree.
Make less severe or harsh or extreme;
Please modify this letter to make it more polite
He modified his views on same-gender marriage
Add a modifier to a constituent
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
To make amendments or addendums to documents.
They agreed to modify the contract.
Modify Snonyms
Revise
Re-examine and make alterations to (written or printed matter).
The author revised her manuscript based on the editor's feedback.
Adjust
Alter or move (something) slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result.
He adjusted the settings on the camera for better photos.
Adapt
Make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify.
They adapted the old factory into a community theater.
Alter
Change or cause to change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.
She altered her hairstyle to something more modern.
Refine
Remove impurities or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of an industrial process.
The process is designed to refine the oil.
Change
Make or become different.
They decided to change the room's layout.
Transform
Make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of.
The caterpillar will transform into a butterfly.
Amend
Make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.
The constitution was amended to include new rights.
Tweak
Twist or pull (something) sharply.
He tweaked the design to make it more efficient.
Update
Make (something) more modern or up to date.
The software needs to be updated regularly.
Modify Idioms & Phrases
Modify the mood
To alter the general atmosphere or emotional tone.
She played some lively music to modify the mood of the room from somber to cheerful.
Modify your mindset
Change your way of thinking.
To overcome the challenge, he had to modify his mindset and embrace a more positive outlook.
Modify the mix
To change the composition or makeup of a group or thing.
The chef decided to modify the mix of herbs to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
Modify on the move
To make changes while in the process of doing something.
The event planner was able to modify on the move, adjusting the schedule as the day progressed.
Modify the method
To change the way in which something is done.
To improve efficiency, the team needed to modify the method of their workflow.
Modify the message
To change the content or delivery of communication.
The politician had to quickly modify the message of his speech in response to the latest news.
Modify for the masses
To alter something to appeal to a broader audience.
The filmmaker decided to modify the script for the masses, making the storyline more universally relatable.
Modify with meaning
To make thoughtful or significant changes.
The author decided to modify the script with meaning, ensuring every scene contributed to the narrative.
Modify to match
To alter something so that it corresponds with something else.
The designer had to modify the dress to match the client's specific style requests.
Modify to magnify
To make changes with the intention of enhancing or emphasizing something.
He decided to modify the lighting to magnify the impact of the art exhibit.
Modify to maintain
To make changes in order to keep something at a certain level or status.
The city council decided to modify zoning laws to maintain the character of the neighborhood.
Modify for a mission
To alter or adjust something with a specific goal in mind.
The team had to modify their strategy for a mission to secure the win in the final minutes of the game.
Modify in the moment
To make changes spontaneously or as the situation demands.
The performer had to modify in the moment when the unexpected happened on stage.
Modify the map
To change plans, directions, or strategies.
Faced with unforeseen obstacles, the explorers had to modify the map of their journey.
Modify without mercy
To change something drastically without concern for the consequences.
The new director decided to modify the company's policy without mercy, leading to significant upheaval.
Modify for meaning
To alter something to ensure it has significance or depth.
The poet chose to modify her verses for meaning, striving for each word to carry weight.
Modify against the mold
To change something in order to break away from traditional or expected norms.
The artist chose to modify against the mold, creating works that challenged conventional aesthetics.
Modify at the margins
To make minor adjustments or changes.
After reviewing the draft, the editor suggested they modify at the margins rather than overhaul the entire piece.
Modify by measure
To change something gradually or in increments.
The coach advised the athlete to modify his training intensity by measure to avoid injury.
Modify by majority
To change something based on the preference or decision of the majority.
The committee agreed to modify the proposal by majority, reflecting the popular opinion among its members.
Modify Example Sentences
The software update will modify how the application functions.
You might need to modify your approach to solve the problem.
The tailor will modify the dress to fit her perfectly.
She decided to modify her study habits to improve her grades.
The team had to modify their strategy halfway through the project.
Parents often modify stories to make them suitable for children.
She will modify her essay based on the teacher's feedback.
If the shoe is too big, the cobbler can modify it to fit you better.
You can modify your car to make it go faster.
Before publishing the book, the author had to modify some of the chapters.
They decided to modify the garden layout to create more space for vegetables.
The tailor will modify the dress so that it fits perfectly for the event.
After receiving feedback, the developer decided to modify the app's interface to make it more user-friendly.
The chef decided to modify the recipe to make it healthier.
To improve safety, the engineers will modify the design of the bridge.
He had to modify his plans because of the sudden change in weather.
The teacher asked the students to modify their projects to include recent events.
To fit the new theme, they had to modify the decorations in the room.
The software allows you to modify the colors and fonts of your document.
To make the game more challenging, you can modify the rules a little bit.
You might need to modify your approach if you want to solve the problem more efficiently.
Scientists modify genes for various research purposes.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in modify?
There are three syllables in "modify."
How is modify used in a sentence?
Example: "You may need to modify the settings to improve performance."
How do we divide modify into syllables?
"Modify" is divided into syllables as "mod-i-fy."
What is the verb form of modify?
"Modify" itself is the verb form.
What is the pronunciation of modify?
Modify is pronounced as /ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ/ (UK) or /ˈmɑː.də.faɪ/ (US).
What is a stressed syllable in modify?
The stressed syllable in "modify" is the first one: "mod."
What is the second form of modify?
The second form (simple past tense) of "modify" is "modified."
Why is it called modify?
"Modify" comes from the Latin "modificare," meaning to limit, control, or alter, reflecting its meaning of making changes or adjustments.
What is the root word of modify?
The root word of "modify" is the Latin "modificare."
What part of speech is modify?
"Modify" is a verb.
What is the first form of modify?
The first form (present tense) of "modify" is "modify."
What is the singular form of modify?
As a verb, "modify" remains the same in singular form.
What is another term for modify?
Another term for "modify" is "alter" or "adjust."
What is the opposite of modify?
The opposite of "modify" could be "preserve" or "maintain."
Is modify an abstract noun?
"Modify" is not a noun; it's a verb.
Is the word modify imperative?
"Modify" can be used in the imperative form, as in "Please modify your tone."
Is modify a collective noun?
"Modify" is not a noun, so it cannot be a collective noun.
Is modify an adverb?
No, "modify" is not an adverb.
Is modify a negative or positive word?
"Modify" is neutral; its connotation depends on the context.
Is modify a countable noun?
"Modify" is not a noun; it's a verb.
Is the modify term a metaphor?
"Modify" can be used metaphorically in contexts where change or adjustment is implied in a non-literal sense.
Is the word modify Gerund?
The gerund form of "modify" is "modifying."
Which determiner is used with modify?
Determiners are not typically used directly with "modify" but may be used with its objects.
Which vowel is used before modify?
The use of a vowel before "modify" depends on the context of the sentence.
What is the third form of modify?
The third form (past participle) of "modify" is "modified."
What is the plural form of modify?
As a verb, "modify" does not change form for plural subjects.
Is the word “modify” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Modify" is a verb and thus does not serve as a direct or indirect object, but it can act upon both in sentences.
Which preposition is used with modify?
Common prepositions used with "modify" include "to" and "for."
Which article is used with modify?
Articles are not used directly with "modify" unless part of a noun phrase related to the action.
Is modify a noun or adjective?
"Modify" is a verb.
Is modify a vowel or consonant?
The word "modify" starts with a consonant.
Which conjunction is used with modify?
Conjunctions like "and," "but," or "or" can be used in sentences involving "modify."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
