modifyverb [ T ]
uk/ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ/us/ˈmɑː.də.faɪ/modify verb [ T ] (CHANGE)
C1 to change something such as a plan, opinion, law, or way of behaviour slightly, usually to improve it or make it more acceptable:
Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders to modify their behaviour.
The proposals were unpopular and were only accepted in a modified form.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Adapting and modifying
- acclimate
- acclimatize
- accommodate
- acculturate
- acculturation
- adjustment
- amendment
- beat
- chameleon
- change with/keep up with/move with the times idiom
- configure
- doctor
- liberty
- native
- put sth back
- put sth forward
- readjust
- ring
- ring the changes (on) idiom
- supple
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modify verb [ T ] (LANGUAGE)
specialized language If a word or phrase modifies another word or phrase used with it, it limits or adds to its meaning:
In the sentence "She ran quickly" the adverb "quickly" modifies the verb "ran".
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Linguistics: grammatical terms
- ablative
- apposition
- attributive
- collocate
- comparative
- declension
- decline
- dependent clause
- grammar
- grammarian
- grammatical
- independent clause
- indirect object
- inflect
- interrogative
- modifier
- plurality
- qualify
- reflexive
- superlative
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