subtilize vs modify

subtilize and modify both are verbs.

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

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

Other hypernyms of subtilize include alter, change.

subtilize (verb)	modify (verb)
make more subtle or refined	make less severe or harsh or extreme
make (senses) more keen	add a modifier to a constituent
mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation