Basic Details
Word: Modify
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To change something slightly, usually to improve it or make it more suitable; in grammar, to describe or limit the meaning of another word.
Synonyms: change, alter, adjust, adapt
Antonyms: preserve, keep, retain
Word origin: Comes from Latin modificare, from modus, measure or manner.
How to Spell Modify
Syllables: mod - i - fy
Tricky part: The vowel in the middle is i, not e or a, and the ending is fy.
Watch out for: modefy, modafy, modifie, moddify
Memory tip: Modify starts like model and modern. Then it takes the ify ending of verbs such as simplify and purify: mod + ify.
Usage Examples
Example 1: We had to modify our plan when the rain started.
Example 2: The mechanic modified the scooter so it could carry gas cylinders.
Example 3: You can modify the recipe by using jaggery instead of sugar.
Fun Fact
In grammar, adjectives and adverbs are called modifiers because they modify other words: in a very old car, very modifies old, and old modifies car.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the word closest in meaning to modify as used in the sentence:
The engineers had to modify the design of the bridge after the soil tests showed weak ground.
a) preserve
b) destroy
c) alter
d) admire
Show answer
c) alter. To modify a design is to alter it a little; preserve means keeping it as it is.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the word in the sentence and choose it:
The school may difomy the timetable so that the sports period comes after lunch.
a) modify
b) mystify
c) notify
d) mollify
Show answer
a) modify. The six letters have a d and an o, and only modify uses both.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
Before the science fair, Tanvi had to modefy her solar cooker because the winter sun was weaker than she expected.
a) expected
b) modefy
c) cooker
d) science
Show answer
b) modefy. The middle vowel of modify is i, just like the i in simplify.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A tailor who modifies a shirt ____.
a) makes small changes so it fits
b) washes it in cold water
c) folds it into a gift box
d) sells it at a lower price
Show answer
a) makes small changes so it fits
2. Which of these best describes modifying a plan?
a) throwing the whole plan away
b) changing a few parts of it
c) copying it word for word
d) keeping it a secret
Show answer
b) changing a few parts of it
