aerate vs modify

aerate and modify both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
aerate	No	No	Yes	No
modify	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, modify is a hypernym of aerate; that is, modify is a word with a broader meaning than aerate:

aerate: aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter
modify: cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

Other hypernyms of aerate include alter, change.

aerate (verb)	modify (verb)
aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter	make less severe or harsh or extreme
impregnate, combine, or supply with oxygen	add a modifier to a constituent
expose to fresh air	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation