modify
- v. 修改, 修正, 变更
- Definition
- v. to change something slightly, especially in order to improve it
- Example
- You can modify the recipe by adding more spices if you like.
- 如果你喜欢的话，可以加更多香料来调整这道菜的做法。
Synonyms & Differences 近义词辨析
Compared meaning: to make something different (verb).
比较义项：改变，修改（动词）。
- modify 本词
Suggests a small, targeted change, often to improve or adjust something; commonly used with plans, designs, recipes, or rules.
强调小范围、有针对性的改动，通常是为了改进或调整某事物；常用于计划、设计、食谱或规则等场合。
The engineer modified the design slightly to reduce the car's weight.
工程师稍微修改了一下设计，以减轻汽车的重量。
- alter
A more general word for making something different, without implying the change is small or an improvement; often used when circumstances force a change.
是表示使某事物变得不同的更泛化的词，不暗示改动一定很小或是一种改进；常用于因客观情况被迫做出改变的场合。
The airline had to alter the flight schedule due to bad weather.
由于天气恶劣，航空公司不得不更改航班时刻表。
Modify and alter both mean to change something. Modify suggests a small, targeted change, often to improve something, used with plans, designs, or recipes. Alter is more general, meaning making something different, without implying the change is small or an improvement.
两词都表示对事物做出改变，但 modify 强调局部、细微地改动以求改进，程度较轻；alter 泛指使事物变得不同，可大可小，语气更中性、更广泛。此处不比较 alter 在裁缝、变声等语境中的引申用法。