modify
gb/mˈɑdɪfˌaɪ/ us/mˈɑdɪfˌaɪ/
B1
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Make small changes to improve
To change something a little to make it better or fit a need.
Usage pattern:
to modify [something] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'modify' with 'change' in general; 'modify' is usually for small or partial changes, not complete transformations.
Synonyms
adjust (Implies making small changes to achieve a desired result.)
|
alter (Similar in meaning but can refer to larger or smaller changes.)
Antonyms
maintain (Implies keeping something the same without changes.)
|
preserve (Focuses on keeping the original state intact.)
Collocations
modify behavior
|modify plans
|modify equipment
|modify a document
|modify the design
Themes
general
|work
|design
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We decided to modify the schedule to allow more breaks.
- The teacher modified the lesson plan for the younger students.
- They modified the car to improve its performance.
- Our proposal was modified after the feedback session.
- The software can be easily modified to suit your needs.
Learner examples
- I modified my bike to make it faster.
- She modified her dress to fit better.
- We modified the plan to save money.
- He modified his speech for a younger audience.
- They modified the game rules for fun.
Verb
technical
B2
relation
2
Change a word grammatically
In grammar, to change or add meaning to another word.
Usage pattern:
[adjective/adverb] modifies [noun/verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'modify' in grammar with general 'change'; here it means to describe or limit meaning.
Synonyms
qualify (In grammar, means to limit or specify meaning.)
Collocations
modify a noun
|modify a verb
|adjective modifies noun
Themes
language
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- In the phrase 'red car', the word 'red' modifies 'car'.
- Adverbs often modify verbs in English.
- In this sentence, the clause modifies the noun before it.
Learner examples
- In 'big house', 'big' modifies 'house'.
- An adverb can modify a verb.
- 'Quickly' modifies 'run' in this sentence.
Grammar
Dictionary form
modify
IPA
GB/mˈɑdɪfˌaɪ/
US/mˈɑdɪfˌaɪ/
Syllables & stress
modi - fy (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (modi)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: modify
- 3rd Person Singular: modifies
- Present Participle: modifying
- Past: modified
Word family
Forms
modifies
verb
modifying
verb
modified
verb
Core family
modification
noun B2
modifier
noun
Related words
modifiable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unmodified
adjective
unmodifiable
adjective
Expressions
modify behavior
1/mˈɑdɪfˌaɪ bɪhˈeɪvjɚ/
fixed phrase
Change how someone acts
To make changes in the way a person behaves.
Examples
- The program aims to modify children's behavior through positive reinforcement.
- You can modify your behavior to achieve better results.
modify plans
1/mˈɑdɪfˌaɪ plˈænz/
fixed phrase
Change intended arrangements
To make changes to what you planned to do.
Examples
- We had to modify our plans because of the rain.
- They modified their travel plans after hearing about the strike.
genetically modified
1/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪkli mˈɑdɪfˌaɪd/
fixed phrase
Having DNA changed in a lab
Describes plants, animals, or other living things whose DNA has been changed by scientists in a lab, not by natural breeding.
Examples
- Many countries require labels on genetically modified foods.
- The government is debating whether to allow genetically modified crops.
- She only buys products that are clearly marked as not genetically modified.
genetically modified
2/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪkli mˈɑdɪfˌaɪd/
fixed phrase
technical
Changed by genetic engineering
Changed using science to alter genes.
Examples
- Genetically modified crops can resist certain pests.
- Some people avoid eating genetically modified foods.