Modify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈmä-də-ˌfī/ mod·i·fy

Meaning & Definition of Modify

Modify (verb)

  1. to make less extreme, moderate
  2. to limit or restrict the meaning of especially in a grammatical construction
  3. to change (a vowel) by umlaut

Modify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to limit the meaning of (as a noun)

    "adjectives are words that modify nouns, while adverbs can modify adjectives and verbs"

    similar: qualify
    related: alter, color, distort, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp, narrow
    near: broaden, expand, widen

  2. to make different in some way

    "he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly"

    similar: alter, change, make over, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary
    related: deform, metamorphose, mutate, regenerate, revolutionize, transfigure, transform, transmute, commute, convert, exchange, rejigger, retool
    opposite: fix, freeze, set, stabilize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Modify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Modify:

qualify, alter, change, make over, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Modify

Words with the opposite meaning of Modify:

fix, freeze, set, stabilize

Related Words for Modify

color, distort, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp, narrow, deform, metamorphose, mutate, regenerate, revolutionize, transfigure, transform, transmute, commute, convert, exchange, rejigger, retool

Near Antonyms of Modify

broaden, expand, widen

Word Forms of Modify

Inflections: modified, modifying

Derived words: modifiability (noun), modifiable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Modify

Middle English modifien, from Anglo-French modifier, from Latin modificare to measure, moderate, from modus

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Modify

Words & Phrases Containing Modify

premodify

Frequently Asked Questions about Modify

What does "Modify" mean?

"Modify" means to make less extreme, moderate. As a verb, it is defined as: to make less extreme, moderate. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Modify"?

Other words for "Modify" include qualify, alter, change, make over, recast, redo, refashion and remake. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Modify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Modify"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Modify". Common alternatives include qualify, alter, change, make over, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel and revamp.

What is the opposite of "Modify"?

Antonyms of "Modify" include fix, freeze, set and stabilize. Near antonyms include broaden, expand and widen.

How do you use "Modify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Modify" in a sentence: "adjectives are words that modify nouns, while adverbs can modify adjectives and verbs"; "he modified the appliance so that it would run more quietly".

Is "Modify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Modify" is a verb.

Is "Modify" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Modify" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Modify"?

"Modify" is pronounced /ˈmä-də-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as mod·i·fy.