Category: AdjectivesPart of speech: adjectiveDifficulty: Intermediate

modern

/modern/Roman
US/ˈmɑdɝn/
UK/mˈɒdən/

English meaning: Modern

Definition

Relating to the present or recent times; using the latest ideas or methods.

Example

“The modern kitchen was full of clever gadgets that made cooking much easier.”

Another example: “Smartphones have become an essential part of modern life.”

Usage — When, Where & How

Very common; means relating to the present or recent times, or using the latest methods ('modern technology', 'modern art'). 'Modern-day' emphasises the present era. Largely neutral, sometimes implying progress. Opposite of 'ancient' or 'traditional'.

Etymology & Origin

English — Origin & History

From Latin 'modernus', from 'modo' (just now).

Synonyms

Antonyms / Opposites

Related Words

Common Collocations

  • modern technology
  • modern art
  • modern life
  • modern world
  • modern-day

Word Forms

modern (adj); more modern; most modern; modernity (n); modernize (v)

Word Tools

2 syllables

Literary Heritage

“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

/To thine own self be true/

“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”

William Shakespeare · Playwright & Poet · 1564–1616

Hamlet, Act II

Hamlet, II.i — Polonius's parting words to Laertes; the most quoted line in Shakespeare

“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”

/I'm nobody! Who are you?/

“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”

Emily Dickinson · Poet · 1830–1886

Poems

Poem 288 — Dickinson's subversive celebration of solitude over social recognition

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Language information

Language
English
English
Script
Latin
Family
Indo-European
Speakers
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