modify
Pronunciation: /ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/
verb
Definition of modify
To make partial changes to something
Synonyms for modify
- alter
- adjust
- change
modify in a Sentence
- The company decided to modify its marketing strategy to target younger consumers.
Why modify Matters for GRE & SAT
"modify" is a verb that means "To make partial changes to something" closely related to words like "alter", "adjust", "change". As a word starting with M, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "modify" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "modify" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "modify" into long-term memory.
How to Remember modify
One effective way to remember "modify" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "alter" and "adjust" and "change". When you encounter "modify" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "To make partial changes to something".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "modify" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with M
- Mendacious — Not telling the truth; lying or dishonest.
- macabre — having a quality of horror or grimness
- macabre — having a quality of horror or grimness
- magisterial — possessing great authority
- magisterial — possessing great authority
- magnanimous — noble and generous in spirit
- magnanimous — noble and generous in spirit
- magnify — To make something appear larger than it is; to intensify
- magnify — To make something appear larger than it is; to intensify
- maintain — To continue to have or keep something in existence