modern Meaning & Definition
What Does Modern Mean?
As an adjective, modern means of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past. It is also used to mean of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time. As a noun, it means a person of modern times or views.
Modern in Brief
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈmä-dərn/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | contemporary, innovative and stylish |
| Antonyms | nonmodern, old style font and old style |
| Plural | moderns |
| Comparative / superlative | moderner, modernest |
| Adverb | modernly |
| First known use | 1585 |
Modern Definition (Adjective)
- of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past : contemporary
the modern world / the modern American family
- of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time
modern history
- involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas : up-to-date
modern methods of communication / made their house look more modern / a modern retelling of a classic children's story
- of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the present or most recent period of development of a language
Modern English
- of or relating to modernism : modernist
Modern art has abandoned the representation of recognizable objects.
Modern as a Noun
- a person of modern times or views
- an adherent of modernism : modernist
- a style of printing type distinguished by regularity of shape, precise curves, straight hairline serifs, and heavy downstrokes
Synonyms of Modern
Antonyms of Modern
Modern in a Sentence
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 modern world
the modern American family
modern history
modern methods of communication
made their house look more modern
a modern retelling of a classic children's story
Modern English
Modern art has abandoned the representation of recognizable objects.
this hairstyle is absolutely the most modern fashion out there
the leaders of the American suffragists were originally regarded by many people as uppity moderns who should have stayed in their place
the modern world / the modern American family
modern methods of communication / made their house look more modern / a modern retelling of a classic children's story
Word Forms & Grammar
mod·ern·ly adverb
mod·ern·ness noun
Modern
Moderns
modern
moderner
modernest
modernly
modernness
modernnesses
moderns
modernities
modernity
modern (comparative moderner or more modern, superlative modernest or most modern or modernmost)
modern (plural moderns)
Words That Rhyme With Modern
Origin of Modern
Origin 1: Late Latin modernus, from Latin modo just now, from modus measure mete
Origin 2: see modern:1
Origin 3: From Middle French moderne, from Late Latin modernus; from Latin modo (“just now”), originally ablative of modus (“measure”); hence, by measure, "just now". See also mode.
First Known Use
1585
Pronouncing Modern
You say modern as /ˈmä-dərn/. It has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (mä).
Common Questions About Modern
Is modern an adjective or a noun?
Modern is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for modern?
Close synonyms of modern are contemporary, innovative and stylish. See the full list of modern synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of modern?
Words opposite in meaning to modern are nonmodern, old style font, old style and antiquated.
What is the plural of modern?
The plural of modern is moderns.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of modern?
The comparative form is moderner and the superlative form is modernest.
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