noun Common

mode

mohd

Mode (noun) means a particular way or method of doing something. Example: “Switch the phone to airplane mode before takeoff.”

noun

A particular way or method of doing something.

"Switch the phone to airplane mode before takeoff."

"The car has separate modes for city and highway driving."

(statistics) The value that occurs most often in a set of data.

"In the data set 2, 3, 3, 5, 7, the mode is 3."

A particular state of mind or way of behaving.

"He switched into work mode as soon as he sat at his desk."

(music) One of several traditional scales, such as the major or minor scale.

"The song was written in the Dorian mode, giving it an unusual, moody sound."

How to Use Mode

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA way of doing or being something — a setting, a state of mind, a musical scale, or (in statistics) the most common value.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the statistical "mode" (most frequent value) with the "mean" (average) or "median" (middle value).

Common pairings

sleep mode silent mode work mode in mode

Word Forms

modes plural, modes plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Switch the phone to airplane _____ before takeoff.

Etymology

From Old French mode, from Latin modus ("measure, manner, rhythm") — the same root behind "moderate," "model," and "modern."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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way method manner means form approach style fashion

Related Words

make way very come money means body class

Rhymes for mode

ode rode code bode node lode abode erode Rhode Goode decode Strode

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “mode” mean?

The word “mode” means a particular way or method of doing something. In plain terms, a way of doing or being something — a setting, a state of mind, a musical scale, or (in statistics) the most common value.

How do you pronounce “mode”?

“Mode” is pronounced mohd (/moʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “mode” in a sentence?

Here is “mode” used in a sentence: “Switch the phone to airplane mode before takeoff.”

What part of speech is “mode”?

“Mode” is a noun.

Where does the word “mode” come from?

The word “mode” comes from Latin. From Old French mode, from Latin modus ("measure, manner, rhythm") — the same root behind "moderate," "model," and "modern.".

Is “mode” a common word?

“Mode” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “mode” have?

“Mode” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular way or method of doing something.

What is the difference between mode and method?

A method is a systematic, step-by-step procedure for doing something. A mode is the particular manner or form in which something is done or exists, such as a mode of transport or a mode of dress. Method stresses the ordered process, while mode stresses the style or channel. They overlap but differ.

Does mode have other meanings?

Yes. Besides a way of doing something, mode means the most frequent value in statistics, a set of notes in music, and a device's operating state, such as aeroplane mode or dark mode. In fashion, 'the mode' can even mean the current style. Context decides which sense applies.

What is an example of mode?

A mode of transport, such as rail, road, or air, is a common example, as each is a different way of travelling. Likewise, email and phone calls are modes of communication. Devices show it too: switching a phone to silent mode changes the way it behaves.

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