Definitions for modify
ˈmɒd əˌfaɪmod·i·fy

Princeton's WordNet(4.50 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. modifyverb

   make less severe or harsh or extreme

   "please modify this letter to make it more polite"; "he modified his views on same-gender marriage"

2. modify, qualifyverb

   add a modifier to a constituent

3. change, alter, modifyverb

   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"

Wiktionary(2.80 / 5 votes)Rate this definition:

1. modifyverb

   To make partial changes to.

   Etymology: From modifien, from modifier, from modificare, from modificari, from modus + facere; see mode.

2. modifyverb

   To be or become modified.

   Etymology: From modifien, from modifier, from modificare, from modificari, from modus + facere; see mode.

Webster Dictionary(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Modifyverb

   to change somewhat the form or qualities of; to alter somewhat; as, to modify a contrivance adapted to some mechanical purpose; to modify the terms of a contract

   Etymology: [F. modifier, L. modificare, modificari; modus limit + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Mode, and -fy.]

2. Modifyverb

   to limit or reduce in extent or degree; to moderate; to qualify; to lower

   Etymology: [F. modifier, L. modificare, modificari; modus limit + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Mode, and -fy.]

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Modify

   mod′i-fī, v.t. to set bounds to: to moderate: to change the form or quality of: to alter slightly: to vary.—adj. Modifī′able.—n. Modificā′tion, act of modifying or state of being modified: result of alteration or change: changed shape or condition.—adjs. Mod′ificātive, Mod′ificātory, tending to modify: causing change of form or condition.—n. Mod′ifīer. [Fr. modifier—L. modificāre, -ātum—modus, a measure, facĕre, to make.]

Editors Contribution(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. modify

   To make a change.

   WE had to modify the data to ensure the outputs were accurate.

   Submitted by MaryC on March 16, 2020  

Matched Categories

1. • Add
   • Change
   • Grammar

British National Corpus

1. Verbs Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'modify' in Verbs Frequency: #667

How to pronounce modify?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say modify in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of modify in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of modify in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Examples of modify in a Sentence

1. Pat Toomey:

   Such activities are inconsistent with its statutory responsibilities; only Congress has the authority to reform the Federal Reserve or modify its mission.

2. State John Kerry:

   It is incorrect when (the letter) says that Congress can actually modify the terms of an agreement at any time. That is flat wrong.

3. David Pekoske:

   TSA looks to provide the level of screening based on the risks that a passenger presents, because those individuals registered into a program and gave us their background information and we did a full background check on them, then we can modify somewhat the security procedures that we use.

4. Terri Cornelison:

   Although Essure is no longer available for implantation in the U.S., The FDA remains committed to evaluating long-term safety information in women who have received the device, including data from an FDA-required postmarket surveillance study, the FDA is working with Bayer, Essure's manufacturer, to modify The FDA study to include an additional interim analysis at one year of follow up after patients' permanent birth control procedure -- this is earlier than the previously planned analysis at three years.

5. Emeasoba George:

   The easiest way to forgive yourself or others and then let go, is just to realize and also to keep on reminding yourself that you can't change your past. Yes! you can't help it. You only have the present moment and the future ahead of you to modify and to your own taste (mark you). ~Emeasoba George

Popularity rank by frequency of use