modify

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To change something slightly, especially to improve it.

   Her publisher advised her to modify a few parts of the book.

2. 2
   verb

   To make something less strong or extreme.

   Please modify this letter to make it sound more polite.

3. 3
   verb

   (Grammar) To describe or limit the meaning of another word.

   In 'a red car', the word 'red' modifies 'car'.

From Middle English modifien, from Middle French modifier, from Latin modificare (“to limit, control, regulate, deponent”), from modificari (“to measure off, set bound to, moderate”), from modus (“measure”) + facere (“to make”); see mode.

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