modify
v.-
1 to change slightly (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academicto make small changes to something, usually to improve it or make it fit a new situation.
to make partial changes to something in order to improve it or make it less extreme. Transitive — requires a direct object.
ExampleThe engineers had to modify the car's design to make it safer for passengers.
ExampleThe software developers had to modify the existing source code to ensure compatibility with the latest operating system update.
UsageOften used in technical or formal contexts regarding plans, designs, or laws.
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2 to describe or limit a word (v.) C1 Advanced Academic Technical Grammarto change or add to the meaning of another word.
to qualify or limit the meaning of a word or phrase by providing additional information. Transitive — the subject is usually a grammatical unit like an adjective or adverb.
ExampleIn the phrase 'red apple', the adjective 'red' modifies the noun 'apple'.
ExampleAdverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to provide specific details regarding time, manner, or place.
UsageThe verb is transitive and takes the word being described as its object.
From Middle English modifien, from Middle French modifier, from Latin modificare (“to limit, control, regulate, deponent”), from modificari (“to measure off, set bound to, moderate”), from modus (“measure”) + facere (“to make”); see mode.
- Verbmodify
- Nounmodifier