modes
English meaning: Modes
Definition
One of several ancient Greek scales.
Example
“The instrument can be played in several different modes.”
Another example: “The game offers various modes, from casual to competitive.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'mode'. Used across music (Greek scales), mathematics/statistics, and technology (game modes, display modes). The intended sense here is musical, but learners encounter it most often in software ('select one of the modes'). Neutral to technical register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'modus' (measure, manner), entering English via Old French in the 14th century, with the musical sense developing later.
Related Words
- mode
- vibration
- gameplay
- arcade
- xbox
- transportation
- graphics
- transport
- difficulty
- scales
Common Collocations
- different modes
- game modes
- display modes
- operating modes
- modes of transport
Word Forms
mode (n); modes (pl); modal (adj)
Word Tools
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.”
“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.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B