MOD'IFY, verb transitive [Latin modificor; modus, limit, manner, and facio, to make.] 1. To change the form or external qualities of a thing; to shape; to give a new form of being to; as, to modify matter, light or sound. 2. To vary; to give a new form to any thing; as, to modify the terms of a contract. A prefix modifies the sense of a verb. 3. To moderate; to qualify; to reduce in extent or degree. Of his grace He modifies his first severe decree. MOD'IFY, verb intransitive To extenuate.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI