Modify
['mɒdɪfaɪ] or ['mɑdɪfaɪ]
Definition
(verb.) make less severe or harsh or extreme; 'please modify this letter to make it more polite'; 'he modified his views on same-gender marriage'.
(verb.) add a modifier to a constituent.
Typed by Jared--From WordNet
Definition
(v. t.) To change somewhat the form or qualities of; to alter somewhat; as, to modify a contrivance adapted to some mechanical purpose; to modify the terms of a contract.
(v. t.) To limit or reduce in extent or degree; to moderate; to qualify; to lower.
Edited by Everett
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. a. [1]. Shape, give form to, give a special mode to.[2]. Alter, change, vary, give a new form to.
Checked by Eugene
Definition
v.t. to set bounds to: to moderate: to change the form or quality of: to alter slightly: to vary.—adj. Modifī′able.—n. Modificā′tion act of modifying or state of being modified: result of alteration or change: changed shape or condition.—adjs. Mod′ificātive Mod′ificātory tending to modify: causing change of form or condition.—n. Mod′ifīer.
Typist: Moira
Examples
- The sounds produced by the vocal cords are transformed into speech by the help of the tongue and lips, which modify the shape of the mouth cavity. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- The other point is persons modify one another's dispositions only through the special use they make of physical conditions. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- The movements of the enemy's cavalry may, of course, modify your action. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- Such a result would necessarily modify these instructions. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- We have already noted that plasticity is the capacity to retain and carry over from prior experience factors which modify subsequent activities. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- Of course the reader will modify the description given to suit his own wants and circumstances, but I can assure him that in some such way he can provide a silo at no great expense. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- So many influences modify atmospheric conditions that unfailing predictions are impossible, but the Weather Bureau predictions prove true in about eight cases out of ten. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- He infers that many species have kept true for long periods, whereas a few have become modified. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- In this case, his original impulse is modified. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- Agricultural methods also have been modified by the compression pump. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- From the strong principle of inheritance, any selected variety will tend to propagate its new and modified form. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Human actions are modified in a like fashion. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- The dominant species belonging to large and dominant groups tend to leave many modified descendants, which form new sub-groups and groups. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Thirdly, can instincts be acquired and modified through natural selection? Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- The sewing-machine had brought with it, like the friction match, one of the most profound influences in modifying domestic life, and making it different from that of all preceding time. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- For every act, by the principle of habit, modifies disposition--it sets up a certain kind of inclination and desire. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- It modifies the disposition of both the parties who partake in it. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- This modifies very materially what I have said, and what has been said by others, of the conduct of General Lew. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- I confess that this notebook, which did not appear at the inquest, modifies any views which I may have formed. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- Its essential feature is to maintain the continuity of knowing with an activity which purposely modifies the environment. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- Giving and taking of orders modifies action and results, but does not of itself effect a sharing of purposes, a communication of interests. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
Edited by Angelina