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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Modify \Mod"i*fy\, verb (used with an object) [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.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
modify
verb
1: make less severe or harsh or extreme; "please modify this letter to make it more polite"; "he modified his views on same-gender marriage"
2: add a modifier to a constituent [syn: {qualify}]
3: cause to change; make different; cause a transformation; "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue" [syn: {change}, {alter}] [also: {modified}]
From Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 [moby-thes]:
111 Moby Thesaurus words for "modify": abate, accommodate, adapt, adjust, adjust to, alter, ameliorate, amend, analyze, anatomize, assuage, atomize, better, box in, break up, change, chop logic, circumscribe, condition, convert, decrease, deform, denature, desynonymize, difference, differentiate, diminish, discriminate, disequalize, disjoin, distinguish, diversify, divide, fit, hedge, hedge about, improve, individualize, individuate, leaven, lessen, limit, lower, make a distinction, mark, mark off, mark out, meliorate, mitigate, moderate, modulate, mutate, narrow, overthrow, palliate, particularize, personalize, qualify, re-create, realign, rebuild, reconstruct, redesign, redo, reduce, refashion, refine a distinction, refit, reform, regulate by, remake, remodel, renew, reorganize, reorient, reshape, restrain, restrict, restructure, revamp, revise, revive, reword, rework, ring the changes, season, segregate, separate, set apart, set conditions, set limits, set off, sever, severalize, shift the scene, shuffle the cards, soften, specialize, split hairs, subvert, temper, tone down, transform, turn, turn the scale, turn the tables, turn the tide, turn upside down, vary, work a change, worsen
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |