modify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to change somewhat the form or qualities of; alter partially; amend.
to modify a contract.
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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.
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to be the modifier or attribute of.
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to change (a vowel) by umlaut.
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to reduce or lessen in degree or extent; moderate; soften.
to modify one's demands.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to change the structure, character, intent, etc, of
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to make less extreme or uncompromising
to modify a demand
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grammar (of a word or group of words) to bear the relation of modifier to (another word or group of words)
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linguistics to change (a vowel) by umlaut
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(intr) to be or become modified
Synonym Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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unmodifiedadjective
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modifiablenessnoun
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nonmodifyingadjective
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remodifyverb
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premodifyverb (used with object)
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unmodifiableadjective
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overmodifyverb
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modifiableadjective
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modifiabilitynoun
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has modifiedperfect 3rd person singular
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have modifiedperfect
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have been modifyingperfect progressive
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has been modifyingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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modifyingparticiple
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am modifyingprogressive 1st person singular
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modifiessingular 3rd person
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is modifyingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are modifyingprogressive
Past
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had modifiedperfect
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was modifyingprogressive singular
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were modifyingprogressive plural
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modifiedsimple
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modifiedparticiple
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had been modifyingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of modify
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English modifien, from Middle French modifier, from Latin modificāre “to impose a rule or pattern, regulate, restrain”; equivalent to mode 1 + -ify
Explanation
To modify is to change or transform, but only slightly. If you miss your free-throws half the time, your coach will probably try to improve your shooting average by modifying your technique. Modify may mean to alter something, but it's not a total makeover. When you modify or make modifications, you're making subtle changes. These tweaks are usually needed to make improvements or make the thing being modified less extreme. So you can modify your voice if your tone is too harsh, or modify your wardrobe with a few new pairs of cool shoes.
Vocabulary lists containing modify
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Language and Grammar - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The IRS can modify its formula that sets RMD amounts for any given year.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026
So the Rams are expected to modify Stafford’s traditional training camp workload — and aim for similar results.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
Many modern cancer immunotherapies rely on genetic engineering to permanently modify immune cells.
From Science Daily • May 25, 2026
Local and state policymakers are now considering whether to modify the tax and ease some of its complicated requirements.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
Most such tailor-made systems modify existing alphabets, though some instead design syllabaries.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
