Modify vs Change

“Modify” and “change” are English words which are used as verbs in the English language. They are also used in software languages as terms for modifying some program or changing some program. Their basic meaning remains the same as in the English language, but the method of modifying and changing a software program is different from each other. In this article we will find out the difference in the meaning of the verbs “modify” and “change.”

In general, “change” is when a whole thing needs to be replaced by something else, and “modify” means when we have to make a few adjustments to the existing thing to make it better and slightly different from its previous state. Let us understand more with the help of dictionary meanings and definitions.

Modify
“Modify” used as a transitive verb

“Modify” can be defined as: “to change certain things like an opinion, a plan, behavior, or a law slightly in order to improve it, make it better and more acceptable.”

“Modify” means moderate, less extreme.
In grammatical construction, to restrict or to limit.
To change by umlaut, meaning to change a vowel.
To make minor or small changes.
To make a fundamental change in order to serve a new purpose. Like the trunk of an elephant is a modified nose.

“Modify” used as an intransitive verb

To undergo some change.

Change
“Change” used as a transitive verb

“Change” can be defined as: “to make the content, form, nature, or future course different from what it would be or from what it is if left alone.”

To convert or transform.
To exchange or substitute with another.
Interchange.
To transfer from one to another.
To get smaller money in exchange for a bigger bill.
To exchange foreign money.
To replace and remove the covering of.

“Change” used as an intransitive verb

Become different.
To become modified or altered.
To be converted into.
To gradually pass into.
To make an exchange.
To transfer between two different conveyances.
To change clothes.
From one phase to another.
The voice becoming deeper.

Summary:

1.“Modify” is defined as “change in things like an opinion, a plan, behavior, or a law slightly in order to improve it, make it better and more acceptable. While “change” can be defined as “making the content, form, nature or future course different from what it would be or from what it is if left alone.”
2.“Modify” and “change” are also used in software programming, and the methods of changing and modifying programs are different.

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