
verb (used with object), mod·i·fied, mod·i·fy·ing.
- to change somewhat the form or qualities of; alter partially; amend: to modify a contract.
- 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 be the modifier or attribute of.
- to change (a vowel) by umlaut.
- to reduce or lessen in degree or extent; moderate; soften: to modify one’s demands.
verb (used without object), mod·i·fied, mod·i·fy·ing.
- to be or become modified.
verb -fies, -fying or -fied (mainly tr)
- to change the structure, character, intent, etc, of
- to make less extreme or uncompromisingto modify a demand
- grammar (of a word or group of words) to bear the relation of modifier to (another word or group of words)
- linguistics to change (a vowel) by umlaut
- (intr) to be or become modified
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.