Word
modifier
Phoneticsmod·i·fi·er, stress on the first syllable
/ˈmɑdəˌfaɪɝ/
Definition
n. a word or phrase that adds extra information to another word to make it more specific. In computing, it is a key that changes the meaning of another key when pressed together.
n. a word or phrase that qualifies or limits the meaning of another word. In a technical context, it refers to a key that alters the function of another key when pressed simultaneously.
Examples
“The word 'very' is a common modifier.”
“In the sentence 'the tall blue house', 'tall' and 'blue' are both modifiers for 'house'.”
“The programmer added a logical modifier to the condition to ensure the loop would only execute if the variable met three specific criteria simultaneously.”
Examples
simple
“The word 'very' is a common modifier.”
contextual
“In the sentence 'the tall blue house', 'tall' and 'blue' are both modifiers for 'house'.”
complex
“The programmer added a logical modifier to the condition to ensure the loop would only execute if the variable met three specific criteria simultaneously.”
Real-World Examples
“It functions as an adverbial modifier, subtly altering the tone and atmosphere of the sentence.” “It was just called MacBook (no “Air” or “Pro” modifier), and it was heralded as a new kind of laptop for Apple.” Etymology
From modify + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/modifier