# modify

/ˈmɑdəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /mˈɒdɪfˌaɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/modify
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to change slightly

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to make small changes to something, usually to improve it or make it fit a new situation.

For teachers: to make partial changes to something in order to improve it or make it less extreme. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The engineers had to modify the car's design to make it safer for passengers.
- The software developers had to modify the existing source code to ensure compatibility with the latest operating system update.

Usage: Often used in technical or formal contexts regarding plans, designs, or laws.

### 2. to describe or limit a word

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

to change or add to the meaning of another word.

For teachers: 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.

- In the phrase 'red apple', the adjective 'red' modifies the noun 'apple'.
- Adverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to provide specific details regarding time, manner, or place.

Usage: The verb is transitive and takes the word being described as its object.

## Examples

- You can modify the settings on your phone to save battery.
- The architect had to modify the original plans to meet the city's new safety regulations.
- While the software allows users to modify the interface, the core source code remains protected to ensure system stability and prevent unauthorized distribution.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.