modern
MOD-uhn
Modern (adj) means relating to the present time or recent style, rather than the past. Example: “The museum mixes old paintings with modern sculpture in its newest hall.”
adj
1
Relating to the present time or recent style, rather than the past.
"Our online interactive game is a modern approach to teaching about gum disease. Although it was built in the 1600s, the building still has a very modern look."
"The museum mixes old paintings with modern sculpture in its newest hall."
"The house had a sleek, modern design."
"Modern medicine has extended average life expectancy significantly."
"In fact, he had created the conditions for the great horror of modern times."
— Timothy Snyder, How Did the Nazis Gain Power in Germany? (2018)
How to use modern
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelonging to the present or recent times, as opposed to old or ancient.
Common pairings
modern technology
modern life
modern art
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Word forms
- Plural
- moderns
- Comparative
- moderner, more modern
- Superlative
- modernest, most modern
Fill the gap
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The museum mixes old paintings with _____ sculpture in its newest hall.
Etymology
From Middle French moderne, from Late Latin modernus, ultimately from Latin modo ("just now"), from modus ("measure").
Synonyms
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contemporary
present-day
up-to-date
recent
cutting-edge
state-of-the-art
new
modernistic
innovative
advanced
mod
current
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “modern” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “modern”?
“Modern” is pronounced MOD-uhn (/ˈmɑ.dɚn/ in IPA).
How do you use “modern” in a sentence?
Here is “modern” used in a sentence: “The house had a sleek, modern design.”
What is another word for “modern”?
Words with a similar meaning to “modern” include current.
What is the opposite of “modern”?
The opposite of “modern” — its antonyms — are ancient, dated, former, historical and old.
What part of speech is “modern”?
“Modern” is an adjective.
Where does the word “modern” come from?
The word “modern” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French moderne, from Late Latin modernus, ultimately from Latin modo ("just now"), from modus ("measure").
Is “modern” a common word?
“Modern” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between modern and contemporary?
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.
What is the opposite of modern?
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.
Does modern mean the same as new?
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.
What does 'modern' mean in art and history?
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.
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