Change vs. Modify: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
Change refers to making something different, while Modify means to make partial alterations or adjustments.
Key Differences
Change typically signifies a transformation or shift from one state to another. This transformation can be significant and might not retain the original's characteristics. For instance, if someone changes their hairstyle dramatically, they might go from long to short hair. Modify, on the other hand, implies adjustments or tweaks to the existing state. In the context of the same example, if someone modifies their hairstyle, they might just trim it or alter its color slightly without a complete transformation.
In the context of behavior, when someone decides to change, it often implies a complete overhaul of habits or attitudes, such as someone deciding to live a completely different lifestyle. In contrast, to modify behavior might mean adjusting certain specific behaviors while keeping the core intact. For example, someone might modify their diet by cutting out soda but not making any other dietary changes.
Within the realms of technology and software, change might mean to replace or overhaul a system or application. It could involve transitioning to a completely different software platform. Meanwhile, to modify a software might mean updating or tweaking certain features without changing the software's fundamental identity.
When it comes to documentation, a change in a document could mean rewriting it or making substantial content alterations. If a report's conclusions were found to be incorrect, they might be changed to reflect new findings. Modify, in this sense, would mean making smaller edits or revisions to improve clarity, correctness, or detail without altering the primary content or intention of the document.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb/Noun
Verb/Noun
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Extent
Comprehensive transformation
Partial alteration
Common Context
Complete shift in state or behavior
Adjustments or refinements
Final Result
Often different from the original
Retains the essence of the original
Nature
Broader in scope
More specific
Change and Modify Definitions
Change
To make or become different.
The leaves change color in the fall.
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Modify
To make minor changes to something.
I'll modify the design based on your feedback.
Change
To replace something with another.
I decided to change my shirt.
Modify
To alter or adjust.
We decided to modify the project timeline.
Change
Coins as opposed to paper currency.
Do you have change for a $20 bill?
Modify
To limit or restrict in meaning.
Adjectives modify nouns.
Change
A shift from one to another.
There was a sudden change in the weather.
Modify
To change in form or character.
He modified his approach to teaching.
Change
To cause to be different; alter
We decided to change the color of the walls. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
Modify
To change in form or character; alter.
Change
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
Modify
To make less extreme, severe, or strong
Refused to modify her stand on the issue.
Change
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
Modify
(Grammar) To qualify or limit the meaning of. For example, summer modifies day in the phrase a summer day.
Change
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
Modify
(Linguistics) To change (a vowel) by umlaut.
Change
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
Modify
To be or become modified; change.
Change
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
Modify
(transitive) To change part of.
Her publisher advised her to modify a few parts of the book to make it easier to read.
Change
To give or receive the equivalent of (money) in lower denominations or in foreign currency
This machine will change dollar bills into coins. At the airport, the traveler changed British pounds into euros.
Modify
(intransitive) To be or become modified.
Change
To put fresh clothes or coverings on
It's your turn to change the baby. I'll show you how to change the bed.
Modify
(transitive) To set bounds to; to moderate.
Change
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
Modify
To qualify the meaning of.
Change
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
Modify
To change somewhat the form or qualities of; to change a part of something while leaving most parts unchanged; to alter somewhat; as, to modify a contrivance adapted to some mechanical purpose; to modify the terms of a contract.
Change
To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons.
Modify
To limit or reduce in extent or degree; to moderate; to qualify; to lower.
Of his graceHe modifies his first severe decree.
Change
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
Modify
Make less severe or harsh or extreme;
Please modify this letter to make it more polite
He modified his views on same-gender marriage
Change
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
Modify
Add a modifier to a constituent
Change
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
Modify
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Change
To become deeper in tone
His voice began to change at age 13.
Modify
To make less extreme or severe.
She modified her tone during the discussion.
Change
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
Change
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
Change
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
Change
Something different; variety
Ate early for a change.
Change
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
Change
Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange for money of higher denomination
Will you give me change of four quarters for a dollar?.
Change
The balance of money returned when an amount given is more than what is due
I paid $3 for the coffee that cost $2.50, so I received 50 cents in change.
Change
Coins
Loose change was jingling in my pocket.
Change
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
Change
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
Change
A market or exchange where business is transacted.
Change
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
Change
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.
Change
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
Change
(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.
Change
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
Change
(intransitive) To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)
Change
(archaic) To exchange.
Change
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
Change
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
Change
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
Change
(countable) A replacement.
A change of clothes
Change
(uncountable) Balance of money returned from the sum paid after deducting the price of a purchase.
A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a £9 item receives one pound in change.
Change
(uncountable) An amount of cash, usually in the form of coins, but sometimes inclusive of paper money.
Do you have any change on you? I need to make a phone call.
This bus ride requires exact change.
Change
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
Change
(baseball) A change-up pitch.
Change
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
Change
To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
Therefore will I change their glory into shame.
Change
To alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one's occupation; to change one's intention.
They that do change old love for new,Pray gods, they change for worse!
Change
To give and take reciprocally; to exchange; - followed by with; as, to change place, or hats, or money, with another.
Look upon those thousands with whom thou wouldst not, for any interest, change thy fortune and condition.
Change
Specifically: To give, or receive, smaller denominations of money (technically called change) for; as, to change a gold coin or a bank bill.
He pulled out a thirty-pound note and bid me change it.
Change
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
Change
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
Change
Any variation or alteration; a passing from one state or form to another; as, a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.
Apprehensions of a change of dynasty.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Change
A succesion or substitution of one thing in the place of another; a difference; novelty; variety; as, a change of seasons.
Our fathers did for change to France repair.
The ringing grooves of change.
Change
A passing from one phase to another; as, a change of the moon.
Change
Alteration in the order of a series; permutation.
Change
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
Change
Small money; the money by means of which the larger coins and bank bills are made available in small dealings; hence, the balance returned when payment is tendered by a coin or note exceeding the sum due.
Change
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
They call an alehouse a change.
Change
Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.
Change
An event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another;
The change was intended to increase sales
This storm is certainly a change for the worse
The neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago
Change
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
Change
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
Change
The result of alteration or modification;
There were marked changes in the lining of the lungs
There had been no change in the mountains
Change
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
Change
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
Change
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
Change
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of change
Change
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
Change
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
Change
Undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature;
She changed completely as she grew older
The weather changed last night
Change
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Change
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 weather
The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
Change
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Change
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
Change
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Change
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
Change
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
Change
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
Change
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
Change
An act or process of transforming.
The change from a caterpillar to a butterfly is fascinating.
FAQs
Does Modify always retain the original's essence?
Generally, modify implies adjustments while retaining the original's core characteristics.
Can Change mean to exchange something?
Yes, like changing clothes or changing a light bulb.
Is Change always drastic?
No, change can be subtle or drastic.
Can Modify mean a total overhaul?
Typically, modify implies partial adjustments, not a complete overhaul.
What's the opposite of Change?
Remain or stay.
Can Modify mean to improve?
Yes, like modifying a design to enhance its aesthetics.
Can Modify reduce the intensity of something?
Yes, as in modifying one's voice or tone.
Can Change refer to transformation?
Yes, as in personal growth or metamorphosis in nature.
Can Change also mean coins?
Yes, change can refer to coins as opposed to paper currency.
Can Change mean growth?
Yes, as in "change and growth are inevitable."
Is Modify a synonym for edit?
Often, especially in the context of editing documents or designs.
What's a key difference between Change and Modify?
Change often means a comprehensive shift, while Modify implies tweaks or refinements.
Can a person change their opinion?
Yes, people can change their views based on new information.
Does Modify always mean improvement?
Not necessarily. It means alteration, which might or might not be an improvement.
Can Modify refer to altering a plan?
Yes, like modifying a travel itinerary or a business strategy.
How is Change used in the context of seasons?
As in "a change of seasons" meaning a transition from one season to another.
Is Modify a more technical term?
It can be, especially in fields like engineering or software development.
Does Change always indicate progress?
No, change can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Is Modify used in grammar?
Yes, as in how adjectives modify nouns.
Can societies undergo Change?
Yes, societies can experience cultural, social, or technological changes.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
