commit vs modify

commit and modify both are verbs.

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

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

Other hypernyms of commit include alter, change.

commit (verb)	modify (verb)
make a set of changes permanent	make less severe or harsh or extreme
transfer to another place so something can be kept or preserved	add a modifier to a constituent
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
confer a trust upon
cause to be admitted; of persons to an institution
make an investment
perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
engage in or perform