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
1
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."
"Press the button to change the camera from photo mode to video mode."
2
(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."
"The mode of the shoe sizes in our class is seven."
"If two numbers appear equally often, the set has two modes."
3
A particular state of mind or way of behaving.
"He switched into work mode as soon as he sat at his desk."
"After the long holiday, I stayed in relaxed mode all week."
"The children went into panic mode when the lights suddenly went out."
4
(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."
"Students learn to tell the major mode from the minor mode by ear."
"Many folk tunes are built on an old mode rather than a modern scale."
How to use mode
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- modes
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."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for mode
See all rhymes for mode →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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