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Webster 1913 Edition

Modify

Mod′i-fy

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Modified
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Modifying
.]
[F.
modifier
, L.
modificare
,
modificari
;
modus
limit +
-ficare
(in comp.) to make. See
Mode
, and
-fy
.]
1.
To change somewhat the form or qualities of; to change a part of something while leaving most parts unchanged; to alter somewhat;
as, to
modify
a contrivance adapted to some mechanical purpose; to
modify
the terms of a contract.
2.
To limit or reduce in extent or degree; to moderate; to qualify; to lower.
Of his grace
He
modifies
his first severe decree.
Dryden.

Webster 1828 Edition

Modify

MOD'IFY

,
Verb.
T.
[L. modificor; modus, limit, manner, and facio, to make.]
1.
To change the form or external qualities of a thing; to shape; to give a new form of being to; as, to modify matter, light or sound.
2.
To vary; to give a new form to any thing; as, to modify the terms of a contract. A prefix modifies the sense of a verb.
3.
To moderate; to qualify; to reduce in extent or degree.
Of his grace
He modifies his first severe decree.

MOD'IFY

,
Verb.
I.
To extenuate.

Definition 2024

modify

modify

English

Verb

modify ‎(third-person singular simple present modifies, present participle modifying, simple past and past participle modified)

  1. (transitive) To make partial changes to.
  2. (intransitive) To be or become modified.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

References

  • modify in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • modify in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

Etymology

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.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): mɒdɪfaɪ̯

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