modify
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++mod·i·fy /ˈmɒdɪfaɪ $ ˈmɑː-/ ●●○ AWL verb (modified, modifying, modifies) [transitive] 1 CHANGE/MAKE something DIFFERENTto make small changes to something in order to improve it and make it more suitable or effective 〔略微地〕修改，更改，改进，改造 SYN adapt The feedback will be used to modify the course for next year. 这些反馈意见将用于修改明年的课程。 The regulations can only be modified by a special committee. 这些法规只能由特别委员会来修改。modify something to do something The seats can be modified to fit other types of vehicle. 这些座椅可以略做改动，用在其他类型的车辆上。2. technicalSLG if an adjective, adverb etc modifies another word, it describes something or limits the word’s meaning. In the phrase ‘walk slowly’, the adverb ‘slowly’ modifies the verb ‘walk’. 〔形容词、副词等〕修饰〔另一词〕→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
modify• The recipe is modified and simplified by succeeding generations of cooks.• The engines of the Atlas burned a modified aviation fuel, similar to kerosene, with liquid oxygen.• The biotech corporations argue that genetically modified crops will put an end to food shortages in the developing world.• They would, of course, be modified from normal naval requirements to suit our purposes.• We all modify our speech when speaking to people in authority.• Any move to modify that transgressive stance is seen by some as treason.• We can modify the design to make it suitable for commercial production.• I modified the handlebars on my bike to make it more comfortable.• Although research has modified this supposition, it is none the less true that males are generally seducers and females the seduced.• They have similar Uvalues to triple glazing and good solar control properties which can be modified to suit specific needs.From Longman Business Dictionarymodifymod‧i‧fy /ˈmɒdəfaɪˈmɑː-/ verb (past tense and past participle modified) [transitive] to make changes, especially small changes, to something in order to improve it and make it more suitable or effectiveThe plan has been slightly modified.Banks have modified their traditional role and now offer mortgages, pensions, and other financial services.→ See Verb tableOrigin modify (1300-1400) French modifier, from Latin modificare “to measure, moderate”, from modus; → MODEmod·i·fy verbChineseSyllable
to changes Corpus small something Business make in to
modify
mod‧i‧fy AC /ˈmɒdəfaɪ, ˈmɒdɪfaɪ $ ˈmɑː-/
verb (past tense and past participle modified, present participle modifying, third person singular modifies) [transitive]
SYN adapt:
The feedback will be used to modify the course for next year.
The regulations can only be modified by a special committee.
modify something to do something
The seats can be modified to fit other types of vehicle.
2. technical if an adjective, adverb etc modifies another word, it describes something or limits the word’s meaning. In the phrase ‘walk slowly’, the adverb ‘slowly’ modifies the verb ‘walk’.
■ to change something
▪change to make someone or something different: Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to change the situation. | Being at college has changed her – she’s much more confident now.
▪alter especially written tochange something so that it is better or more suitable: You can alter the colour and size of the image using a remote control. | Can we alter the date of the meeting?
▪adapt to change something slightly in order to improve it or make it more suitable: How much would it cost to adapt the existing equipment? | You can adapt the recipe to suit your own requirements.
▪adjust to make small changes in the position or level of something in order to improve it or make it more suitable: How do you adjust the volume on the television? | He adjusted his tie in the mirror.
▪modify especially written to make small changes to something such as a piece of equipment, a set of ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or use it in a different way: He’s modified his opinions since then. | a modified version of the original program.
▪reform to change a law, system, organization etc so that it is fairer or more effective: plans to reform the tax system | Health care needs to be completely reformed.
▪revise to change a plan, idea, law etc because of new information and ideas: In July, China revised the rules for foreign investment. | The findings could force the scientists to revise their ideas about climate change.
▪reorganize to change the way that a system or organization works: We’ve had to reorganize our database | During the 1980s, the government reorganized the civil service.
▪restructure to make big changes to the way something is organized, especially a large political or economic system or a big company, in order to make it more effective: The company has been restructured from top to bottom.
mod‧i‧fy AC /ˈmɒdəfaɪ, ˈmɒdɪfaɪ $ ˈmɑː-/
verb (past tense and past participle modified, present participle modifying, third person singular modifies) [transitive] Date: 1300-1400
Language: French
Origin: modifier, from Latin modificare 'to measure, moderate', from modus; ⇨ mode
1. to make small changes to something in order to improve it and make it more suitable or effective Language: French
Origin: modifier, from Latin modificare 'to measure, moderate', from modus; ⇨ mode
SYN adapt:
modify something to do something
2. technical if an adjective, adverb etc modifies another word, it describes something or limits the word’s meaning. In the phrase ‘walk slowly’, the adverb ‘slowly’ modifies the verb ‘walk’.
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