modify
UK: /ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ/ | US: /ˈmɑː.də.faɪ/
vt. to make partial or minor changes to something
vt. (linguistics) to qualify or limit the meaning of a word
vt. (biology) to alter or adapt in form or function
The word "modify" traces back to Latin modificare ("to measure off, limit, restrain"), combining modus (measure) and -ficare (to make). It originally implied setting boundaries or adjusting proportions, later broadening to mean any partial alteration. The suffix -ify systematically converts nouns/roots into verbs (e.g., "simplify," "clarify"), preserving its productive role in English.
Engineers modified the design to improve efficiency.
Adjectives modify nouns by adding descriptive details.
The species gradually modified its behavior to survive in urban environments.
Please modify your tone to sound more professional.
The software allows users to modify settings easily.