modification

A change made to something, or the new form produced by that change.

• This modification makes the chair more comfortable.
• We made several modifications to the design.
• Does the new version include your modification?

How to use it: modification to something (The modification to the engine reduced noise.)

Similar words: change, adjustment, alteration

Common phrases: minor modification, design modification, make a modification

The process of changing something while keeping its main features.

• The building needs modification before it can reopen.
• Behaviour modification can help people change harmful habits.
• The equipment underwent modification to improve safety.

How to use it: modification of something (Modification of the software took three weeks.)

Similar words: alteration, adjustment, adaptation

Common phrases: behaviour modification, genetic modification, modification of something

A change in a word’s sound or form when another language starts using it.

• The borrowed word underwent modification.
• Modification made the foreign sound easier to pronounce.
• Several modifications occurred as the word entered English.

How to use it: modification of something (The modification of the borrowed word changed its spelling.)

Similar words: adaptation, alteration

Common phrases: word modification, phonetic modification, modification of something