Modifier: meaning, definitions and examples

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modifier

[ˈmɒd.ɪ.fɪər ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'modifier', meaning 'to limit or reduce'.
It entered English around the 15th century, primarily used in grammar.
Over time, it evolved to include various fields like linguistics and programming.

Grammar

In English, modifiers can be adjectives that describe nouns, like in 'red apple'.
They can also be adverbs that describe verbs, such as in 'she runs quickly'.
While modifiers add meaning, misplaced modifiers can cause confusion, leading to funny sentences.

Technology

In programming, modifiers alter the behavior or attributes of data types or functions.
Common programming languages use modifiers like 'public' or 'private' to define access levels to classes.
Modifiers play a critical role in frameworks and libraries, influencing how code is constructed and utilized.

Education

Modifiers are essential in teaching language arts, helping students deepen their understanding of sentence structure.
Educators often emphasize the importance of modifiers to improve writing clarity and style.
Activities focusing on modifiers can enhance both grammatical precision and creativity in writing.

Psychology

In cognitive psychology, modifiers can influence perception by changing how people interpret information.
Research shows that modifiers can bias decision-making, especially in marketing and advertising.
Understanding how modifiers affect language processing can help in communication strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "modifier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 modificador

🇮🇳 संशोधक

🇩🇪 Modifizierer

🇮🇩 modifikator

🇺🇦 модифікатор

🇵🇱 modyfikator

🇯🇵 修飾子

🇫🇷 modificateur

🇪🇸 modificador

🇹🇷 değiştirici

🇰🇷 수정자

🇸🇦 مُعَدِّل

🇨🇿 modifikátor

🇸🇰 modifikátor

🇨🇳 修饰符

🇸🇮 modifikator

🇮🇸 breytir

🇰🇿 өзгерту

🇬🇪 მოდიფიკატორი

🇦🇿 modifikator

🇲🇽 modificador

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.

...
18353 raiding
18354 brew
18355 delightfully
18356 modifier
18357 scrubbed
18358 ingratitude
18359 demonic
...