Modification Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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modification

[ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

engineering

The act or process of modifying something.

Synonyms

adjustment, alteration, change.

Examples of usage

  • The modification of the car's engine resulted in improved performance.
  • Software modification is necessary to fix the bug.
  • We need to discuss the modification of the original design.
Context #2 | Noun

grammar

A change made to a word, usually by adding, removing, or changing letters.

Synonyms

inflection, mutation, variation.

Examples of usage

  • The modification of 'run' to 'ran' indicates past tense.
  • In the sentence 'She is happy', 'is' is a modification of 'be'.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

A genetic change or mutation that occurs in an organism.

Synonyms

alteration, mutation, variation.

Examples of usage

  • The genetic modification of crops has raised ethical concerns.
  • This species has evolved due to natural modifications over time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In genetics, modification refers to changes in an organism's DNA, leading to new traits or functions.
  • Modification is crucial in technology, often involving software updates that improve functionality or security.
  • In ecology, species undergo modifications over time through natural selection, adapting to their environments.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows and movies often showcase characters undergoing personal modifications, such as physical transformations or skill enhancements.
  • In the realm of video games, modification is popular among players who create and share altered versions of existing games.
  • Fashion trends often involve modification, where styles from the past are updated to fit modern tastes.

Education

  • In classrooms, teachers often modify lessons to cater to different learning styles, helping all students understand better.
  • Curriculum modifications allow for personalized learning, ensuring that all students can engage with the material.
  • The concept of Universal Design for Learning promotes modifications to meet diverse learner needs, making education more inclusive.

Psychology

  • Behavior modification techniques in psychology are used to change undesirable behaviors through rewards and consequences.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy involves modifying thought patterns to improve emotional well-being.
  • The concept of self-modification helps individuals change habits, such as through goal-setting and monitoring progress.

Origin of 'modification'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'modificatio', which means adjustment or limit, showing its roots in making changes.
  • It was adopted into Middle English in the late 14th century, emphasizing the idea of alteration or change.
  • The prefix 'mod-' relates to measure or standard, suggesting that modifications aim for better balance or fit.

The word 'modification' originated from the Latin word 'modificatio', which means a measure or a manner of measure. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the general sense of making a change or alteration. Over time, 'modification' has been widely used in various fields such as engineering, grammar, and biology to denote alterations, adjustments, or changes.


See also: modifiability, modifiable, modifications, modified, modifier, modifying, unmodified.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,399, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.