update vs modify

update is a noun but modify is not a noun.

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

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

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

update: bring to the latest state of technology or supply with the latest data
modify: make less severe or harsh or extreme

update (noun)	modify (noun)
the act of bringing someone or something up to date
information or data that updates

update (verb)	modify (verb)
modernize or bring up to date	make less severe or harsh or extreme
bring to the latest state of technology or supply with the latest data	add a modifier to a constituent
bring up to date; supply with recent information	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation