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modificar

to modify

verb moh-dee-fee-KAHR Less Common
People & Society

Origin: From Latin modificare (to measure, to limit).

Also means

to amend

Usage Note

Modificar undergoes a spelling change in the subjunctive and preterite: modifiqué, modifique (not modificé) to preserve the hard-c sound before e/i. It is the standard formal verb for amending a law, contract, or setting (modificar el contrato — to amend the contract). In everyday speech cambiar is preferred for informal changes.

Examples

"El gobierno decidió modificar la ley electoral."

Natural Translation

The government decided to amend the electoral law.

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