Change vs. Modify

Change vs. Modify — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Change and Modify

Changeverb

(intransitive) To become something different.

The tadpole changed into a frog.Stock prices are constantly changing.

Modifyverb

(transitive) To make partial changes to.

Changeverb

To make something into something else.

The fairy changed the frog into a prince.I had to change the wording of the ad so it would fit.

Modifyverb

(intransitive) To be or become modified.

Changeverb

(transitive) To replace.

Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.

Modifyverb

make less severe or harsh or extreme;

please modify this letter to make it more politehe modified his views on same-gender marriage
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Changeverb

(intransitive) To replace one's clothing.

You can't go into the dressing room while she's changing.The clowns changed into their costumes before the circus started.

Modifyverb

add a modifier to a constituent

Changeverb

(intransitive) To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)

Modifyverb

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;

The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the cityThe discussion has changed my thinking about the issue

Changeverb

(archaic) To exchange.

Changeverb

(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).

to change a horse
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Changenoun

(countable) The process of becoming different.

The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.

Changenoun

(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.

Can I get change for this $100 bill please?

Changenoun

(countable) A replacement, e.g. a change of clothes

Changenoun

(uncountable) Money given back when a customer hands over more than the exact price of an item.

A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a £9 item receives one pound in change.

Changenoun

(uncountable) Coins (as opposed to paper money).

Do you have any change on you? I need to make a phone call.

Changenoun

(countable) A transfer between vehicles.

The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.

Changenoun

(baseball) A change-up pitch.

Changenoun

(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.

Changenoun

(dated) A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; an exchange.

Changenoun

A public house; an alehouse.

Changenoun

an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another;

the change was intended to increase salesthis storm is certainly a change for the worsethe neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago

Changenoun

a relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;

he attributed the change to their marriage

Changenoun

the action of changing something;

the change of government had no impact on the economyhis change on abortion cost him the election

Changenoun

the result of alteration or modification;

there were marked changes in the lining of the lungsthere had been no change in the mountains

Changenoun

the balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due;

I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change

Changenoun

a thing that is different;

he inspected several changes before selecting one

Changenoun

a different or fresh set of clothes;

she brought a change in her overnight bag

Changenoun

coins of small denomination regarded collectively;

he had a pocketful of change

Changenoun

money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency;

he got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver

Changenoun

a difference that is usually pleasant;

he goes to France for varietyit is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic

Changeverb

undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature;

She changed completely as she grew olderThe weather changed last night

Changeverb

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;

The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the cityThe discussion has changed my thinking about the issue

Changeverb

make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence;

her mood changes in accordance with the weatherThe supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season

Changeverb

lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;

switch to a different brand of beerShe switched psychiatristsThe car changed lanes

Changeverb

change clothes; put on different clothes;

Change before you go to the opera

Changeverb

exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;

Could you convert my dollars into pounds?He changed his nameconvert centimeters into inchesconvert holdings into shares

Changeverb

give to, and receive from, one another;

Would you change places with me?We have been exchanging letters for a year

Changeverb

change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;

She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast

Changeverb

become deeper in tone;

His voice began to change when he was 12 years oldHer voice deepened when she whispered the password

Changeverb

remove or replace the coverings of;

Father had to learn how to change the babyAfter each guest we changed the bed linens