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modify
- 5 dictionary resultsmod⋅i⋅fy
[mod-uh-fahy] 
verb, -fied, -fy⋅ing.–verb (used with object)
| 1. | 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. |
| 3. | to be the modifier or attribute of. |
| 4. | to change (a vowel) by umlaut. |
| 5. | to reduce or lessen in degree or extent; moderate; soften: to modify one's demands. |
–verb (used without object)
| 6. | to be or become modified. |
Origin:
1350–1400; ME modifien < MF modifier < L modificāre to impose a rule or pattern, regulate, restrain. See mode 1 , -ify
1350–1400; ME modifien < MF modifier < L modificāre to impose a rule or pattern, regulate, restrain. See mode 1 , -ify
Related forms:
mod⋅i⋅fi⋅a⋅ble, adjective
mod⋅i⋅fi⋅a⋅bil⋅i⋅ty, mod⋅i⋅fi⋅a⋅ble⋅ness, noun
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.
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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|
Link To modify
| mod·i·fy (mŏd'ə-fī') v. mod·i·fied, mod·i·fy·ing, mod·i·fies v. tr.
To be or become modified; change. [Middle English modifien, from Old French modifier, from Latin modificāre, to measure, limit : modus, measure; see med- in Indo-European roots + -ficāre, -fy.] mod'i·fi'a·bil'i·ty n., mod'i·fi'a·ble adj. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Modify
Mod"i*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Modified; p. pr. & vb. n. Modifying.] [F. modifier, L. modificare, modificari; modus limit + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Mode, and -fy.]1. 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. 2. To limit or reduce in extent or degree; to moderate; to qualify; to lower. Of his grace He modifies his first severe decree. --Dryden.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : modify
Spanish:
modificar,
German:
abändern,
Japanese:
修正する
modify
c.1386, from O.Fr. modifier, from L. modificare "to limit, restrain," from modus "measure, manner" (see mode (1)) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: mod·i·fy
Pronunciation: 'mäd-&-"fI
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -fied; -fy·ing
: tomake a change in <modify behavior by the use of drugs> —mod·i·fi·abil·i·ty /"mäd-&-"fI-&-'bil-&t-E/ noun plural -ties
—mod·i·fi·able /-'fI-&-b&l/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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