/ ˈmɒdɪfaɪ; NAmE ˈmɑːd-/ verb ( modi·fies , modi·fy·ing , modi·fied , modi·fied ) [ vn ]
1.
to change sth slightly, especially in order to make it more suitable for a particular purpose
SYN adapt :
The software we use has been modified for us.
Patients are taught how to modify their diet.
2.
to make sth less extreme
SYN adjust :
to modify your behaviour / language / views
3.
( grammar ) a word, such as an adjective or adverb, that modifies another word or group of words describes it or restricts its meaning in some way :
In 'walk slowly', the adverb 'slowly' modifies the verb 'walk'.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French modifier , from Latin modificare , from modus measure, from an Indo-European root shared by mete .