Modifier: meaning, definitions and examples

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modifier

 

[ หˆmษ’d.ษช.fษชษ™r ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

grammar

A word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence.

Synonyms

adjective, adverb, descriptor, qualifier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
modifier

Used in grammar and linguistics, 'modifier' is a term for a word, phrase, or clause that provides more information about another element in a sentence.

  • In the phrase 'very quickly,' 'very' is a modifier of 'quickly
  • '
qualifier

In grammar and logic, a qualifier modifies the meaning of another word by providing more detail, but often works to limit the scope. Can sometimes carry a negative implication of hedging or being non-committal.

  • In the phrase 'somewhat interesting,' 'somewhat' is a qualifier
descriptor

Generally used in both everyday and specialized contexts to refer to words or phrases that describe something. Often used in data science and information technology.

  • In metadata, 'author' is a descriptor that tells us who created the document
adjective

Used to describe or modify a noun or pronoun, providing more information about it.

  • The word 'happy' in 'a happy child' is an adjective
adverb

Used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often providing information about manner, place, time, frequency, degree, or level of certainty.

  • In the sentence 'She sings beautifully,' 'beautifully' is an adverb

Examples of usage

  • In the sentence 'the big house', the word 'big' is a modifier of 'house'.
  • Adjectives and adverbs are common types of modifiers in English grammar.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A device or software component that alters the function or behavior of another device or program.

Synonyms

adapter, add-on, enhancer, extension.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
modifier

Used to describe something that changes or alters another thing, often used in technology, grammar, and game development.

  • The game has a speed modifier to increase the difficulty.
  • In the phrase 'very good,' 'very' is a modifier.
adapter

Refers to a device or object that makes one system compatible with another, commonly used in technology and engineering.

  • You'll need an adapter to connect the old keyboard to the new computer.
  • I bought a power adapter for my trip to Europe.
add-on

Indicates something that is added to improve or complete another thing, often seen in software and computer applications.

  • You can purchase additional add-ons for the software.
  • I installed a browser add-on to block ads.
extension

Used to describe something that extends the capabilities or duration of another thing, commonly used in technology and academics.

  • Install this extension to add more features to your browser.
  • She requested an extension on her assignment's deadline.
enhancer

Describes something that improves the quality or effectiveness of another thing, frequently used in cooking, photography, and software.

  • This flavor enhancer makes the dish taste amazing.
  • The photo enhancer app really brings out the colors in the images.

Examples of usage

  • A graphics card can be a modifier for a computer's performance.
  • Plugins are common modifiers for web browsers.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To change or adjust something.

Synonyms

adjust, alter, change, revise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
modifier

Use 'modifier' when referring to something that changes or affects another thing, often in a technical or grammatical context.

  • The adjective 'red' is a modifier in the phrase 'red car
  • ' In programming, a modifier key like 'Shift' changes the function of another key
alter

Use 'alter' when making changes to something, especially significant or fundamental changes.

  • She decided to alter the dress to fit her better
  • The plans were altered due to unforeseen circumstances
adjust

Use 'adjust' when making small changes to correct or improve something, often to make it more suitable or to achieve better results.

  • She had to adjust the seat to reach the pedals
  • He adjusted the settings to get a clearer picture
change

Use 'change' when referring to making or becoming different, covering a wide range of contexts from minor to major shifts.

  • You need to change your password regularly
  • They changed their travel plans because of the weather
revise

Use 'revise' when making changes to improve, update, or correct something, often used in academic or editorial contexts.

  • He had to revise his essay before submitting it
  • The textbook was revised to include the latest research

Examples of usage

  • She modified her diet to include more fruits and vegetables.
  • The software engineer modified the code to fix the bug.

Translations

Translations of the word "modifier" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น modificador

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เคถเฅ‹เคงเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Modifizierer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ modifikator

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะพะดะธั„ั–ะบะฐั‚ะพั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ modyfikator

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไฟฎ้ฃพๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท modificateur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ modificador

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท deฤŸiลŸtirici

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ˆ˜์ •์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุนูŽุฏูู‘ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ modifikรกtor

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ modifikรกtor

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไฟฎ้ฅฐ็ฌฆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ modifikator

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ breytir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉะทะณะตั€ั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒ“แƒ˜แƒคแƒ˜แƒ™แƒแƒขแƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ modifikator

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ modificador

Etymology

The word 'modifier' originates from the Latin word 'modificare', which means 'to limit, measure, or moderate'. In English, it has been used since the late 14th century with various meanings related to changing, adjusting, or qualifying something. Over time, its usage expanded to different fields like grammar, computing, and general language.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,356, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.