modern

The word “modern” means relating to the present time or recent style, rather than the past. In plain terms, belonging to the present or recent times, as opposed to old or ancient.

“Modern” is pronounced MOD-uhn (/ˈmɑ.dɚn/ in IPA).

Here is “modern” used in a sentence: “The house had a sleek, modern design.”

Words with a similar meaning to “modern” include current.

The opposite of “modern” — its antonyms — are ancient, dated, former, historical and old.

“Modern” is an adjective.

The word “modern” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French moderne, from Late Latin modernus, ultimately from Latin modo ("just now"), from modus ("measure").

“Modern” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

In everyday use the two overlap, but there is a nuance. Contemporary means happening right now, in the present. Modern can mean current too, yet it also names particular past styles, such as mid-century modern furniture or the Modern art movement. So something modern is not always contemporary.

Common opposites include 'old-fashioned', 'traditional', 'outdated', and 'ancient', all pointing to the past rather than the present. Which fits best depends on your meaning: 'old-fashioned' suggests out of style, 'traditional' suggests long-established, and 'ancient' suggests very old. Each contrasts with the up-to-date sense of modern.

Not exactly. New simply means recently made or first-time, whereas modern implies belonging to or reflecting the present age and its style. An old building can be given a modern look, and a brand-new item can be deliberately old-fashioned. Modern is about being current in spirit, not just age.

In these fields 'modern' often names a specific period rather than the present day. Modern history covers roughly the last few centuries, while Modern art refers to work from about the 1860s to the 1970s. Capitalised, 'Modern' usually signals one of these defined eras rather than simply something recent.