Modify
/ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/
Definitions
To make alterations or changes to something, typically to improve it or make it more suitable or effective.
/ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/
To make partial changes to something, usually to improve it.
I need to modify my travel plans.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake, but it's too sweet. You'd *modify* the recipe by adding less sugar to make it better! Modifying is like making little tweaks to something.
👶 For kids: To change something a little bit to make it better or different.
More Examples
The architect modified the building's design.
The teacher modified the lesson plan to better suit the students' needs.
She had to modify her eating habits to improve her health.
How It's Used
"The developer modified the code to fix the bug."
"The judge decided to modify the existing agreement."
"The company is modifying its marketing strategy to reach a wider audience."
Idioms & expressions
Modify and Execute
A term used in software development and project management, where a task involves making changes to existing code, and subsequently running or testing the code.
"The team focused on the 'modify and execute' process to quickly improve the software."
Modify the Rules
To change the established rules or guidelines.
"The committee decided to modify the rules to allow for more flexibility in participation."
From Middle French modifier, from Latin modificāre ('to limit, regulate'), from modus ('measure, manner') + -ficāre (a verb-forming suffix).
Used in scientific and legal texts since the 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of modifying your car - you're making changes to improve its performance or look.
Word Origin
"to limit, regulate"