modify : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: modify	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for modify
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
modify v make less severe or harsh or extreme; "please modify this letter to make it more polite"; "he modified his views on same-gender marriage" add a modifier to a constituent Synonym(s): modify, qualify 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" Synonym(s): change, alter, modify
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Modify \Mod"ify\, v. t. [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 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.