modification
C1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A small change or adjustment to something to improve it or make it suitable.
The act or process of changing something, or the result of such a change; in linguistics, the limitation or qualification of the meaning of a word; in biology, a change in an organism not involving genetic alteration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a specific, often minor change to an existing entity rather than a complete transformation. Can refer to the process or the result. Often used in legal, technical, and business contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling identical. In automotive contexts, 'mod' (short for modification) is slightly more common in UK slang for customized cars.
Connotations
In American contexts, 'modification' can have a strong connotation of aftermarket vehicle or software alterations. In British legal/planning contexts, it strongly connotes changes to contracts or building plans.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, with slight preference in US technical/software jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
modification to [noun]modification of [noun]modification for [purpose]modification in [area]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A slight modification to the plan”
- “It's a modification on a theme”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to changes in contracts, project plans, or product specifications.
Academic
Used in scientific papers to describe changes in methodology or theoretical adjustments.
Everyday
Used for recipe changes, clothing alterations, or simple adjustments.
Technical
In engineering for design changes; in computing for code or software changes; in biology for genetic modification (GM).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The architect will modify the plans after planning permission.
- We need to modify our approach to meet the new regulations.
American English
- The software engineer modified the code to fix the bug.
- The contract was modified to include the new clauses.
adverb
British English
- The document was slightly modified to reflect the new data.
- The system is easily modifiable via the admin panel.
American English
- The design was heavily modified during testing.
- The terms are non-modifiably fixed for five years.
adjective
British English
- The car had a modified exhaust system.
- This is a modifiable template for your report.
American English
- She submitted a modified proposal to the committee.
- The agreement is not modifiable after signing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I made a small modification to my recipe.
- The teacher asked for a modification to my homework.
- The plan requires a slight modification before we can proceed.
- He made some modifications to his bicycle.
- The contract modification was approved by both parties.
- Genetic modification of crops is a controversial topic.
- The proposed modifications to the building's facade were rejected by the conservation board.
- The linguistic modification of the term over time reflects societal changes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MODE + FIX + ACTION. Changing the mode (way) to FIX something is a modification ACTION.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPING (a modification shapes the original into a new form).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'модификация' for every minor change; in Russian, it often implies a more fundamental variant, while in English it's often a tweak.
- Do not confuse with 'modulation' (модуляция).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'modification' for a complete overhaul (use 'transformation').
- Misspelling as 'moddification' or 'modifacation'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'modification on' instead of 'modification to'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'modification' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Modification' typically implies a specific, deliberate, and often minor adjustment to improve or adapt an existing thing. 'Change' is broader and can be total or minor, planned or accidental.
No, the verb form is 'to modify'. 'Modification' is only a noun.
It is neutral but leans towards formal contexts like law, business, and technology. In everyday speech, simpler words like 'change' or 'adjustment' are often used.
It stands for 'Genetically Modified', referring to crops that have undergone genetic modification.
Collections
Part of a collection
Academic Vocabulary
C1 · 36 words · Formal academic language used in scholarly writing.
Formal Debate Language
C2 · 48 words · Language for structured academic and political debate.
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