to change somewhat the form or qualities of; alter partially; amend:
to modify a contract.
2.
Grammar. (of a word, phrase, or clause) to stand in a syntactically subordinate relation to (another word, phrase, or clause), usually with descriptive, limiting, or particularizing meaning; be a modifier. In a good man, good modifies man.
to reduce or lessen in degree or extent; moderate; soften:
to modify one's demands.
verb (used without object), modified, modifying.
6.
to be or become modified.
Origin
1350-1400;Middle Englishmodifien < Middle Frenchmodifier < Latinmodificāre to impose a rule or pattern, regulate, restrain. See mode1, -ify
Related forms
modifiable, adjective
modifiability, modifiableness, noun
nonmodifying, adjective
overmodify, verb, overmodified, overmodifying.
premodify, verb (used with object), premodified, premodifying.
remodify, verb, remodified, remodifying.
unmodifiable, adjective
unmodified, adjective
Synonyms
1. vary, adjust, shape, reform. 5. Modify, qualify, temper suggest altering an original statement, condition, or the like, so as to avoid anything excessive or extreme. To modify is to alter in one or more particulars, generally in the direction of leniency or moderation: to modify demands, rates. To qualify is to restrict or limit by exceptions or conditions: to qualify one's praise, hopes. To temper is to alter the quality of something, generally so as to diminish its force or harshness: to temper one's criticism with humor.
Examples from the web for modify
It is the best condition not to alter or modify the physical and chemical state of the surface.
The only way to change it is to download or buy a registry editor and modify a system file.
Science can modify microorganisms that reduce fertility, to be non pathogenic.
Their functions probably are to modify pressure, to diminish friction, and occasionally to alter the direction of a muscle pull.
Colleges can use open-source software free and modify it as they wish.
modify a basic solar cooker design as needed to enhance your cooking results.
Plants genetically modify themselves to changing conditions.
If you need rectangular planters, you can modify this design.
Sometimes drivers will modify a car without telling the insurance company.
Yet another strategy is to modify the telescopes so that they are focused even more precisely than usual on the point of interest.
British Dictionary definitions for modify
modify
/ˈmɒdɪˌfaɪ/
verb (mainly transitive) -fies, -fying, -fied
1.
to change the structure, character, intent, etc, of
2.
to make less extreme or uncompromising: to modify a demand
3.
(grammar) (of a word or group of words) to bear the relation of modifier to (another word or group of words)
C14: from Old French modifier, from Latin modificāre to limit, control, from modus measure + facere to make
Word Origin and History for modify
v.
late 14c., from Old French modifier (14c.), from Latin modificare "to limit, measure off, restrain," from modus "measure, manner" (see mode (n.1)) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). Related: Modified; modifying.