Modify Meaning
/ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo change part of.
verbTo be or become modified.
Sentence Examples
You'll have to modify the height of the table to make it fit.
We want to modify the regulations of our school.
Patients are taught how to modify their diet.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The chef will ____ the recipe by adding more salt and pepper.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You can easily ____ the settings on your new computer to suit your personal preferences and your specific working style.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There is inherently no ordering to the modification and no hierarchy of modification: that is, both adjectives modify the substantive and both apply equally to the substantive[…]"
— 1977, Linda R. Waugh, A Semantic Analysis of Word Order: Position of the Adjective in French:
"Adjectives modify nouns."
— 2016, Allen Ascher, The New Harbrace Guide: Genres for Composing:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The chef will ____ the recipe by adding more salt and pepper.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You can easily ____ the settings on your new computer to suit your personal preferences and your specific working style.